Options to save 80 Sarnia jobs not being fully explored: Union

Unifor is calling for new measures to spare a Sarnia chemical plant from being fully decommissioned.

The process comes months after the nearby Aamjiwnaang First Nation reported its members were getting sick from elevated Benzene levels.

Nearly 80 jobs will be lost when INEOS Styrolution ceases all operations in the final quarter of 2025.

“This is catastrophic in my opinion. I mean a lot of members feel like they’ve been betrayed,” said Gary Lynch a Unifor National Rep.

He contends options - beyond closure – remain on the table, including seeking the help of governments.

He believes that Ottawa and Queen’s Park could at least partially fund millions of dollars in needed upgrades.

“Can we get some grant money to fix, repair, keep this place up and operational, and keep some 50 Unifor members employed?”

of Gary Lynch, Unifor National Representative, December 9, 2024 (CTV News London)

Another option the union said hasn’t been fully explored is the sale of the plant. Lynch contends some of its aging amenities remain attractive.

“There is a loading rack that is huge for train railcar loading and unloading, and the infrastructure, the way it is set up, it connects to a lot of the other properties around the Chemical Valley.”

Lynch would not go into specifics but told CTV News discussions with political leaders and the union are taking place behind the scenes as they await feedback from the company.

Still, with another plant INEOS plant recently idled, hope is fading.

“With the announcement of Addyston closing down in Ohio, a sister plant to INEOS, no I don’t have a great feeling on this.”

CTV News reached out to INEOS for comment on Unifor’s plea but had not heard back by publication time.

However, in October the company stated the plant would not reopen and that its shutdown would be complete on schedule.