Most employees at the Halifax Irving Shipyard will be temporarily laid off amidst the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to a statement from the shipyard’s president.
Most employees at the Halifax Irving Shipyard will be temporarily laid off amidst the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak according to a statement from the shipyard's president.
A news release from Irving Shipyard confirms that employees both in the shipyard and across the harbour in Dartmouth will be affected by the layoff, though the shipyard notes that many employees had already not been showing up to work and the company has had a difficult time getting supplies.
In total, 1,100 out of 1,800 people will be laid off.
Layoffs apply to the following facilities: The Halifax Shipyard, Marine Fabricators, and Woodside Industries.
Irving notes that employees will continue to get their regular pay until the end of next week, though the layoffs will be in place until April 12.
"This suspension will be in place for the next three weeks, but may be reduced or extended as circumstances change," said Kevin McCoy, president of Irving.
Roughly 700 employees will continue to work. An unknown number of employees will work from home.
Nova Scotia currently has five confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, with an additional nine cases considered a presumptive positive.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
