Province sets up action centre for laid-off Erwin Hymer employees

The province says it will support laid-off Erwin Hymer employees, including establishing an "action centre."

Cambridge MPP Belinda Karahalios said she brought the closure of the Erwin Hymer Group recreational vehicle plant to her colleagues at Queen's Park.

"Our government has begun the process to support affected employees and their families and is committed to ensuring maximum support is available for affected workers, including establishing an action centre," Karahalios said in a statement.

"Our government will be there for the employees of Erwin Hymer to help them get back on their feet."

Karahalios said her thoughts are with those impacted by the plant closure and she knows it's "devastating for many."

The closure was sudden. Last Tuesday, a job fair was held at Conestoga College for the company looking for production workers.

It was learned that over the weekend Erwin Hymer Group North America has filed for receivership. Layoffs impacted 850 workers at the Cambridge plant.

On the weekend, Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry and Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic issued a joint statement about the sudden closure. They indicated they had asked the province to activate its rapid re-employment team to help workers and their families.

An action centre is a one-stop centre to help affected employees that offers workshops, training, information sessions and focus groups.

Karahalios' statement did not say where the action centre would be set up.