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Members face layoffs because of strong dollar
(December 2007) By Brian Cochrane, Assistant Business Manager The strong Canadian dollar has raised a number of issues for our membership. The dollar’s record high, along with the slowdown in the U.S. housing market, put one of our signatory contractors, Canpar Industries, in financial difficulty throughout 2007. The company gave notice that it will be shutting down operations effective Dec. 21, 2007. This shutdown will result in the loss of approximately 100 union jobs in Grand Forks. Canpar’s shutdown, and the recent announcement of forest products giant Pope & Talbot’s application for creditor protection, will be tough on the local area. Representatives of Local 115 are currently working with Human Resources Canada to assist our members through this transition period. It is ironic that, during this time of relatively low unemployment, skills shortages and fast-tracking of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, we see the loss of so many jobs. There will be many opportunities in this market for work placement of our members who have been affected by the shutdown. However, the work will not likely be in the communities they are currently living in. If the economy continues to support a strong Canadian dollar, there could be more layoffs and shutdowns in the forestry industry. We will continue to put pressure on government to ensure that laid-off workers in B.C. are given priority for jobs. On another topic, the Environ-mental Review Panel which assessed the future development of Northgate Minerals’ Kemess North Property has recommended that the development not proceed. Given the support for the north development by the majority of stakeholders, the recommendations came as a surprise. The economic impact of this recommendation could mean a huge loss for Northern B.C. We are trying to set up meetings with the federal and provincial governments (see letters on facing page). If our government leaders step in to help the parties deal with the objections, the ore body could keep the mine operating for at least another 10 years. The 250 Operating Engineers employed at the mine are in negotiations to secure a new contract. Knowing the future of the mine will play a key role at the table. In most other areas of the province, the work picture has been excellent and the outlook for 2008 remains strong. Our team of organizing representatives—Dave DeSousa, Jim Flynn, Bob Higgs and Mike Spiruda—have put in countless hours this year to get the union message out. Being a union organizer is a tough job and their dedication to Local 115 members and the union movement should be recognized. This has been a great year in many respects and we have seen many accomplishments. One worth highlighting is the fact that one of our crafts, crane operator, will soon be covered by enforceable regulations. On behalf of the officers and staff of the Local Union, we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2008! |
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