Manitoba Hydro is planning a four-month temporary layoff of 600-700 employees as the crown corporation looks for savings ordered by the Pallister government.
The layoffs will save the company about $11 million.
Management is still discussing with department heads about who will be affected.
In an internal memo sent to employees on Monday Hydro CEO Jay Grewal confirmed the layoffs are a direct result of a mandate from the province to find savings.
“We’ve been able to find over $63 million of the needed cost reductions. Another $12 million in savings was realized by, where ever, possible not filling vacant or seasonal positions. Regrettably, this achievement still leaves us about $11 million, or 13 per cent, short of the finish line,” said Grewal
Grewal told employees that reducing the workforce, even temporarily, is a difficult choice.
She said, ” I recognize the impact it will have on you, your families and our customers.”
Memo sent to Hydro employees
Manitoba union leaders are claiming the planned cuts are reckless and purely political in nature.
Wab Kinew, leader of the opposition, stated that the pandemic is being used to set the stage for the privatization of the crown corporation.
© News4.ca 2020