Lack of federal work prompts Davie shipyard to lay off nearly 300 workers
Without a 'clear signal' from Ottawa, another 400 employees face uncertain futures, company says
The Davie shipyard says a lack of federal contracts has forced the Quebec shipbuilder to lay off another 281 workers, raising the total number of employees out of jobs to nearly 400.
And without a "clear signal" from Ottawa, the Levis, Que.-based company says another 400 employees face uncertain futures now that construction of the supply vessel Asterix has been completed for Canada's navy.
Davie was counting on the construction of a second supply ship called the Obelix, but Ottawa closed the door a little over a week ago.
Couillard said most federal ship contracts have been given to British Columbia and the Maritimes, leaving few for Quebec.
Davie spokesperson Frédérik Boisvert said laid-off workers could be quickly recalled once the Trudeau government decides to send a "clear signal" or letter of intent for the second ship.