50 workers laid off at the Halifax Shipyard
Posted Apr 1, 2011 02:58:58 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Irving-owned shipyard in Halifax is laying off 50 workers Friday. J.D. Irving Ltd. says that’s in addition to 40 layoffs that have taken place since March 11.
Company spokeswoman Mary Keith says it’s not unusual for the workforce to change from week to week as projects wrap up and needs change.
Keith says workers will be asked to return to the shipyard when new projects start. She says the company is hoping a national shipbuilding strategy will help stabilize employment levels.
Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter is using the 50 layoffs to reinforce his pitch for new federal
shipbuilding contracts. In its throne speech Thursday, the Nova Scotia government pledged to champion the shipyard as it competes to become one of two centres to build combat and non-combat vessels under the federal plan.
J.D. Irving is one of five companies competing to build navy frigates and coast guard vessels.
