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FORT NELSON—Unifor has received six-months notice of a possible closure or partial-closure of the Fort Nelson Gas Plant (FNGP) from North River Midstream and is working with the company to ensure severance provisions are followed in the event of a closure.
The notice is a requirement of the Unifor National Energy Pattern Bargaining Agreement.
“It is concerning news and we will work hard to ensure that our members receive appropriate severance and related accommodations,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
Unifor Locals 862 and 4960 in Fort Nelson say the region is already struggling after two mills in the area closed down a decade ago. The oil and gas industry, particularly the Fort Nelson Gas Plant, has been critical to maintaining employment in northeastern B.C.
“It will be very difficult for the community to recover if the gas plant closes,” said President of Unifor Local 862 Kevin Fellers. “We’re going to work hard to find solutions.”
Unifor emphasized that the volatility in the oil and gas industry that has North River Midstream planning for closure could potentially be overcome in the coming months, and that nothing is certain in the FNGP’s future.
“We’re going to plan for the worst, but there’s certainly hope that the company can resolve the supply issues that seem to be driving the anticipated closure,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
