PotashCorp meets with Picadilly mine employees about remaining jobs

PotashCorpemployees at thePicadillymine near Sussexare finding out more today about who will stay and who will go when thesite isclosed indefinitely.

About 100 employees will remain on the payroll for a four-month transitionperiod, while35 will keep working to maintainthe mothballed facility for as long as operations are suspended.

April Glendenningwas not one of the lucky ones. Glendenning, who works in the lab,says she knew she wouldn't be.

But it was still an emotional day, she told CBC News, as she loaded her work boots and other items from her cleared out locker into her car.

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"To come in today, to see my co-workers, to be told by management, 'Sorry, but we have no jobs for you,' it really put it into perspective," said Glendenning.

"It really solidified the fact that I don't have a job anymore after 10 years of calling this home," she said.

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan announced on Jan. 19 it's suspendingoperations at the mineindefinitely, puttingup to 430 people in the Sussex area out of work.

Company officials were meeting with salaried employees on Tuesday about the coveted 135 positions,and plan to meet withhourly workers on Friday.

About 100 positions in Saskatchewan are also up for grabs. Anyone can apply for those jobs, including people from outside the company.

But a special effort is being made for Picadilly mine workers, with their applicationsbeing fast-tracked this week, officials said. Interviews are slated for next week, they said.

PotashCorp has offered to pay up to $60,000 for relocation costs.

Glendenningsays she's considering applying.

"There's a lot going through my mind today. The gentleman who just walked by, my nickname for the last 10 years has beenMuffy," shesaid, her eyes welling up. "So you know, like I said, these guys are like family. And there's a lot of emotion today."

The economic impact ofthe job losses in thecommunity of 4,300is expected to be hard-hitting and widespread, Sussex Mayor MarcThorne has said.

The mine isone of the town's largest employers, and thejobs pay between$80,000 and$120,000,he has said.

Picadilly, a $2.2-billion project, whichwas just recently completed, was expected to have a 73-year lifespan.

ButMarkFracchia, the president of PCS Potash and a former general manager for the New Brunswick mine, saidtheplunge in potash prices on theworld market anda drop in demand from China, combined with thechallenging geology of the area,left the company with no alternative.

Fracchia has said PotashCorpwill establish a $5-million fund to:

• Help employees with job transition assistance, including skills training and education support.
• Provide financial support to local business.
• Support local charities.