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THURSDAY
1895 - 2015
NOVEMBER 19, 2015 Vol. 120, $ 05 Issue 181
1
INCLUDING G.S.T.
Teck announces impending layoffs
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SHERI REGNIER Trail Times
Layoffs are coming for employees of Teck Trail Operations. Low commodity prices are forcing the action, but just how many will be out of work locally depends on the number of workers who leave by choice. The Vancouver-based company announced Tuesday that 1,000 positions will be eliminated across Teck’s global offices and operations, which trickles down to almost 80 jobs in the Trail plant. “There will be a five per cent reduction in Trail’s work forces between now and the end of 2016,” confirmed Catherine Adair, Teck Trail’s community relations leader. “Trail’s current workforce is just under 1,500 employees so this translates to a reduction of between 70 and 80 positions,” she added. “While every effort is being made to achieve these reductions through attrition, there will be some layoffs.” The company states layoffs and attrition includes senior management positions, and brings total labour force reductions over the past 18 months, to approximately 2,000 positions. Another significant way the company is cutting back and retaining capital next year, is by delaying projects and reducing subsequent operating costs. A total reduction of $650 million will be achieved through $350 million of project deferrals and capital spending, as well as $300 million in cost savings from the 2016 operating budget. The two large capital projects currently under construction in Trail, those being the water treatment plant and smelter recycle building, haven’t been affected at this point. “In any given year Trail has many capital projects underway,” Adair clarified. “Trail’s capital plan is being closely reviewed and some projects have been deferred to reduce 2016 capital spending,” she explained. “We are continuing with those projects that are essential to ensuring Trail operates in a safe manner and still meets our production targets and our environmental requirements,” Adair confirmed. “Projects under construction such as the CONTINUED ON PG. 3
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Construction on the pipe/pedestrian bridge was making a splash on Wednesday as giant boulders were dropped into place to protect the Columbia River during the on-going project.
Later graduation date aims to keep focus on studies VALERIE ROSSI Trail Times
Crowe grads will save their big celebration until after exams are handed in this year. Transitioning into post-secondary life is taken very seriously, according to J. L. Crowe Secondary School principal David DeRosa, and with much thought and input from teachers and parents the decision was made to move ceremonies to June 24.
“There are several different factors that go into the decision for the date, and definitely we include considerations for the impact that grad may have on student learning,” he said. “We also take into consideration the impact on staff and the other students in the building. It is an important transition event for our students and their families, and we try to find a balance.” The high school has al-
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ways started the conversation of graduation early but now is supporting this discussion with a hands-on tool that allows students to plan their futures accordingly. Student counsellor Dara Waterstreet is helping Crowe get signed up for myblueprint. ca, a program School District 20 purchased last year and is fully introducing this year. The online tool allows students to punch in their course
selection and credits before searching their eligibility for post-secondary institutions. Within those college or university programs, the site details everything from the cost and whether public transportation is available nearby. “It’s pretty intense,” said Waterstreet from her office Tuesday. “It gives them options in terms of where they can go from there like what occupa-
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CONTINUED ON PG. 2 Contact the Times:
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