Betty Selin, Astral Media Radio - Vernon
A major Okanagan employer says they are going through what could be the most difficult economic period the forest industry has ever experienced. The layoffs are Tolko's panel plants in the Okanagan has been extended indefinitely. Regional Manager, Jim Baskerville says workers at the Armstrong and White Valley plywood and veneer plants have been off the job since February 25th and the Kelowna veneer line will begin layoffs this week. In all, about 360 employees are affected. Baskerville says they're meeting with reps from the union, local and provincial governments and other stakeholders, but admits even the 3.7-million dollar improvement to the Armstrong plywood plant isn't enough in today's conditions to re-start operations. He says they're looking at every opportunity to save costs and get employees back to work.
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