More than half of the unionized workers at Mt. Polley will be receiving the pink slip.
United Steelworkers President, Paul French called today’s confirmation of layoffs as heartbreaking,
“Well we’re…we’re quite upset that this happened.”
“120 people gone; that’s a huge hit on them and especially when there’s the temporary restart permit process for keeping stability out that’s still in the stages for approval.”
French says the mine has done a good job at keeping people employed but adds that all they can do now is wait and see when a decision will be made on a potential 50% restart of operations.
David Haslam, Ministry of Energy spokesperson said in an email that another public comment period is expected to occur for a short-term water discharge application.
A decision from independent statutory decision makers on if Mt. Polley will partially reopen is not expected until June.