Temporary layoffs at the ONTC because of COVID-19

There are temporary layoffs at the ONTC because of a reduction of work due to COVID-19.

Spokesperson Rebecca McGlynn confirms 25 employees in North Bay and Cochrane are impacted by the temporary notices.

They work at the Cochrane Station Inn, on the dining car of the Polar Bear Express passenger train, and in the areas of Rail Mechanical and Remanufacturing and Repair.

“As operational needs change and the situation evolves, Ontario Northland will call employees back when work is available” says McGlynn. “In the meantime, impacted employees are being provided access to counselling and information on wage subsidy programs.”

“For the past six weeks, Ontario Northland has supported a number of employees without work due to service reductions with full compensation and reassignments. The company has proposed an alternative to layoffs to Unifor Local 103 that includes wage guarantees, benefits and pension contributions. We hope an agreement can be reached shortly.”

In early April, Ontario Northland announced the suspension of Polar Bear Express passenger service between Cochrane and Moosonee.

The decision to temporarily suspend the service was a preventative measure in response to COVID-19.

(File photo by station staff)