FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15th, 2014
MP for Labrador
Yvonne Jones
Reports of layoffs today by Department of National Defence contractor Serco at 5-Wing Goose Bay are very concerning. This recent development comes on the heels of a new negotiated agreement with unionized workers and the signing of a two year extended agreement with the Federal Government says Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador.
“I am disappointed to hear reports of pink slips being handed out this week in Goose Bay by Serco, just after they received an extended contract for services at the Air Base.
As the provider of almost all non-military services on the base, Serco is a major employer in Labrador and it is imperative that the Department of National Defence provide proper contracts for services. The Harper government has been looking to make cuts everywhere and is disregarding the needs of the military based in Goose Bay, the requirements to operate the facility at a high level, and the relationship that the base has built with the local citizens over the last many decades.”
There is also some concern regarding the term of the new contract extension with Serco from the Department of National Defence:
“While I am pleased to see Serco awarded a 2-year contract extension of the services it provides at 5-Wing, I along with the employees and people of Happy Valley-Goose Bay were hoping to see a longer extension, especially given the history of longer contracts in the 5-plus years range. Long-term planning and stability is very important as these changes affect people’s livelihoods and families. I call on the government to make the commitment to long-term extensions just like the people are making long-term commitments to perform high-quality work on the base.”
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