Chetwynd — Conservative MLAs are calling on the Minister of Labour to take action to protect workers at Chetwynd's Willow Creek Mine.
The workers, employed by Hustle Contracting Ltd., have a contract with Conuma Resources, which owns and operates the coal mine 35 minutes southwest of the district.
However, that contract is set to end on January 15th, and according to a release from the BC Conservatives, there is still work to be completed that will extend "up to a week" beyond that date.
Larry Neufeld, along with MLAs Gavin Dew and Kiel Giddens, are requesting the Labour Minister, Jennifer Whiteside, to approve a variance request.
The request would permit workers to complete the additional work without the company having to restart the clock on severance payments. They argue that current labour rules leave the company "unable to offer" its services, which require materials at the mine to be moved.
"Labour laws need to protect workers, but they also need to work in the real world. In this case, the government can approve a straightforward request that would let these workers finish their contract without creating a financial burden for their employer," said Giddens, Critic for Labour and MLA for Prince George Mackenzie.
Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld emphasized the impact current policy has on rural communities and is urging steps to be taken to support workers and their families.
"Chetwynd has taken hit after hit from changes to resource policies," said Neufeld.
The Official Opposition is asking for the request for additional days to be approved before the project ends.
"Workers shouldn’t miss out on wages because of rigid policies that don’t reflect the reality on the ground," added Dew, Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation.
There remains no word on how many workers will be impacted by the contract’s end.