Uncertainty weighs on XL Foods workers

As the indefinite closure of the XL Foods beef-processing plant chugs into its first full week, the uncertainty hovering over the massive facility’s future is beginning to wear on workers, a union representative said.

More than 2,200 employees of the Brooks slaughterhouse are waiting on word on when they can return to work.

“They’re not working and not getting paid,” said United Food and Commercial Workers Local 401 negotiator Tom Hesse. “There’s certainly a high level of anxiety. Employees have to pay rent, pay bills, they’re wondering if they have a job.”

XL Foods Inc., a private corporation that bought Lakeside from Tyson Foods in March 2009, has not responded to numerous Herald email requests for interviews.

The company must meet several CFIA requirements before it’s allowed to resume operations.

Company officials met with some union representatives at the plant Tuesday but offered scant information about when the plant will open, Hesse said Wednesday.

“All they’re saying is they’re working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to get things back up and running,” he said. “No promises in terms of a new startup date or when the plant’s going to be operating again.”

Brooks Mayor Martin Shields said the community hopes to have the operation up and running soon. But like thousands of workers, he can only wait to find out what happens next.

“The assumption is it’s a temporary situation as far as the licence suspension. That’s a good thing, it’s not permanent,” Shields said.