Dominion Diamond threatens to lay off 150 employees at Ekati mine, says union

Dominion Diamond Mines is threatening to lay off 150 entry-level workers at Ekati mine, according to the union that represents theemployees.

The Union of Northern Workers said Dominion intends to replace these positions with contract workers by Oct. 1, 2018, according to a notice issued to membersTuesday.

Dominion CEO Patrick Evans said in an email that the company "is considering contracting out certain mine operations support positions due to unacceptably high levels of absenteeism that have negatively impacted the costs of these operations."

Evans says that Dominion has invited the union to put forward proposals to "address this serious and unsustainable situation."

"We are committed toconsideringany proposals put forward by the union," he said.

"However, if we cannotresolveissues through discussions with the union, the contemplated contracting will proceed."

Union will be 'taking swift action'

In the notice, Todd Parsons, the union's president, said that the move is a cost-cutting measure for Dominion to increase its profits.

"We are very disappointed in the employer's threat," said Parsons, in an email response.

"Some of these workers have been employed at the mine for many years and this is another outside company defaulting on their commitment to northern workers."

The union confirmed the affected employees will be at Dominion's Ekatidiamond mine.

• FROM 2016 |More than 300 workers at risk of temporary layoffs at Ekati diamond mine
• FROM 2016 |100 jobs affected as Dominion Diamond relocates head office from Yellowknife to Calgary

Parsons says the union "will be taking swift action" filing grievances and unfair labour practices complaints with the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

"We are asking our members at this time to get involved and to let your voices be heard," said Parsons in the notice.

He encouraged employees to attend town hall meetings, talk to their local MLAs, and to "ask the employer hard questions."

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