Layoffs at East Isle Shipyard

There have been more layoffs this month at Irving's East Isle Shipyard in Georgetown, P.E.I.

Since early October, about 20 people have been laid off, including steelworkers and welders. Early last month six electricians were laid off, but three have been called back to help get some projects back on schedule.

"We would have two vessels that are currently in production and are on the order book at this time at East Isle. We have one tug that is due in December and another one that is due in May, so as work is completed, there are layoffs that are occurring," Irving spokeswoman Mary Keith told CBC News Tuesday.

"It's a challenging time as you can imagine given the downturn in the economy. So where we see less cargo ships moving with the shipment of goods, we're also seeing a lessening requirement of the number of tugs that are required to escort those ships as well."

Keith said the company continues to look for more orders for the shipyard, and if more work is secured workers will be called back.