Reminiscent of the Sandvik situation of 2018 in Arnprior, more good industrial jobs have been lost in Arnprior, with the December 18th announcement of the closure of Arnprior Aerospace.
Tom Lowe is Chief Steward and Vice-President of the International Union of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local Lodge 15-42.
Lowe says the handwriting has been on the wall for a number of years- the once 800-plus workforce has dropped to the current membership of 71, and key factors include Boeing’s problems with the 737, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Arnprior Aerospace operations in Portland Oregon and Chihuahua Mexico don’t appear to be suffering the job losses that the company cites are due to lack of demand for its product.
The local 15-42 Vice President says there’s ongoing dialogue with local elected representatives.
Just as the workers’ future is uncertain, it’s not known what will happen with the plant.
Tom Lowe says while transfers to the other Arnprior Aerospace facilities elsewhere are unlikely, but local support is mounting.
Although the news, just before Christmas, is unfortunate, it may be related to required notice under contract.
The Lodge Vice President says the workers’ pensions are secured.
Tom Lowe says although the 71 workers at Arnprior Aerospace are feeling the pinch, he fears they are not alone.
The Local Lodge Vice President, when asked if anything could have been done differently, says hindsight is 20-20.
By Rick Stow