Temporary layoffs announced at Goderich salt mine
A mild winter is being blamed for 87 miners and maintenance staff being laid off at Goderich’s salt mine.
Compass Minerals said a large stockpile of de-icing salt they’ve accumulated over the winter due to milder than expected conditions, means they need to, “decrease production at our Goderich mine to better balance our supply with customer demand.”
While seasonal layoffs are not unheard of at the Goderich mine, it is the first time there have been employees laid off in the past four years.
Compass Minerals called the layoffs “temporary” and “if market conditions improve, look forward to bringing impacted employees back to work.”
A two-week long strike over wages and working conditions, by 15 security guards at the Goderich mine, came to a conclusion last week.
The guards are employed by Logixx Security, headquartered in Regina, Sask., who have a contract with Compass Minerals to provide security to the mine property.
Security guards at the salt mine were last in job action in 2017.
In 2018, 350 miners and mine staff in Goderich went on strike for 12 weeks, seeking better wages and working conditions.
The current temporary layoff will impact approximately 22 per cent of the unionized workforce of nearly 400 employees.
Compass’ Goderich salt mine, is the largest rock salt mine in the world.
Statement about the layoffs from Compass Minerals
“As a result of unseasonably weak winter activity in our North American served market, our company’s logistics network is currently carrying high de-icing salt inventory levels. We are therefore taking steps to decrease production at our Goderich mine to better balance our supply with customer demand. Doing so will unfortunately require temporary layoffs of approximately 22 percent of the mine’s represented employees as we work through the inventory on hand. We will continue to provide certain employee benefits during this temporary layoff period and, if market conditions improve, look forward bringing impacted employees back to work.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.