Cavendish Farms union thanks P.E.I. for training funds

The union representing Cavendish Farms workers has publicly thanked the P.E.I. government for more than $600,000 in training money.

The money will allow employees of the company's two potato processing plants in New Annan who expect to be out of work during several week-long shutdowns over the next few months to train for jobs in other areas of the plants.

In a statement issued Thursday, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union — which represents more than 550 Cavendish Farms employees — said the assistance is important because it means workers won't have to collect employment insurance during the shutdowns.

"It was also very important that the government was good enough to give … [the company] the money to get some training, which is also a benefit for the workers," said Ron Arsenault, president of the union local. "It adds benefits to Cavendish Farms, and everyone wins."

The Irving-owned potato processor recently announced it will be shuttering its two P.E.I. plants as well as a third in North Dakota between Nov. 20 and Nov. 27, and again between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2. The decision is a consequence of the weak American dollar, Cavendish Farms said.

The opposition has called the funding a subsidy to a company with deep pockets.

Arsenault said he does not think the province is playing favourites by helping out the company.