IMP Aerospace lays off 44 in Halifax area, union says

The union representing employees who repair military aircraft in Nova Scotia has confirmed 44 employees have received layoff notices from IMP Aerospace and Defence, and will be "rolling their toolboxes out of the hangars" by Friday.

The unit chair of UniforLocal 2215, Darlene McIvor, said company executives told them somecontracts haven't been renewed, and that's why IMP issued the layoff notices last Friday.

She said 35 airframe mechanics, fiveavionics techniciansand fourstores controllersat both the Halifax airport and Hammonds Plains locations are losing their jobs.

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McIvor said IMP has typically provided steady work, even if it didn`t pay too well. But that view is changing with the announcement.

"They're losing that steadiness now,so it doesn't sit easy with anyone," she said.

In total, McIvor said IMP employs more than1,200 peoplein Nova Scotia, including 500 who are unionized. Approximately 10were laid off last fall at theHammonds Plains location, but there hadn't been layoffs in the Halifax-areain the previous four or five years, she said.

Some haveeight years seniority

McIvor said it was mostly junior employees who received the layoff notices, although some had as manyas eight years seniority with the company. She said the layoffs make everyone feel precarious.

"There's also the feeling, you know, once it starts happening, is it the first of many? Sothat contributes to the overall work environment and your feeling of not being secure in your employment," she said.

Employees with enough seniority will be given the option to bump co-workers in other classifications, if they choose, McIvor said.

"But come Friday there will definitely be 44 people who will be rolling their toolboxes out of the hangars."

All of those laid off will be eligible to collect employment insurance.McIvor said theywill no doubt feel a financial impact.

UniforLocal 2215 is already at the table with IMP Aerospace and Defence to negotiate anew contract. The old oneexpires April 1.