|
Opposition Leader Gerry Reid is asking Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister
Tom Rideout for an update on the Fishery Products International (FPI)
internal review in light of the uncertainty its trawlermen are now facing
with regard to future employment with that company. Most crew members who
are part of FPI’s wetfish and factory freezer trawler fleet have been told
their boats are tied up until further notice. These employees have not been
given any further information and others have been told their Records of
Employment will be sent to them in the near future.
"Some crew members who work on FPI vessels have been advised that they
will receive layoff notices," said Mr. Reid. "As this is a very unusual
occurrence, and in light of the announcement made by the company that they
will be finalizing their internal review, I am asking Minister Rideout
whether he has been made aware of what potential cutbacks and plant closures
have been decided upon by the company. Government’s silence on this issues
has been of major concern, and if they have any information regarding
potential layoffs and closures, the people affected should be advised
immediately."
Over the past couple of months, there has been much speculation that FPI
will be commencing a major downsizing in their operations in this province.
Last spring, FPI CEO Derrick Rowe stated that the future of the company was
in shellfish, not groundfish. Since that time, Harbour Breton has been
closed and the future of its Fortune plant is very uncertain. In addition,
there has been discussion in the communities of Marystown and Burin that
their operations may also be affected by this internal review.
"The economy of the south coast of our province has been negatively
impacted by FPI’s decisions in Harbour Breton and Fortune. To date, very
little has been done by the company to assist these displaced workers. If
other plants are to be affected by this review process, I encourage both the
company and government to advise the people of these plans."
|