LEWISTON, Idaho (From news reports) -- The Clearwater Paper Mill Manager who was seen holding a sign that read "Poor Baby's" driving past a union rally this week has been "removed from his position". Donnie Ely is no longer with the company at all according to a recent e-mail.

Senior Vice President of Pulp and Paperboard Steve Bowden said in the e-mail: "The response of our mill manager to our employees and others on Tuesday evening at the Lewiston, Idaho facility does not represent Clearwater Paper's core values or its view of labor negotiations. Upon review of the situation, the mill manager involved was removed from his position, effective immediately, and is leaving Clearwater Paper. We value the contribution of each and every one of our team members, and we remain committed to furthering our strong relationship with our labor partners and working diligently toward a new ratified labor agreement."

The IBEW and USW unions are currently in negotiations with Clearwater Paper for new contracts. The rally Tuesday involved union members and their families holding signs about wages and medical insurance. In a release earlier this week Clearwater Paper confirmed those were the only two sticking points in the negotiations.