Plant shuts down production

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 20, 2008

There have been more job losses in the North Okanagan’s manufacturing sector. Employees say the last remaining staff at Bigfoot Industries were laid off Tuesday. “They only had 10 minutes to grab any tools that were their own,” said an employee who had been with the company for six years but was laid off earlier this fall. “Some of them had put in 10 to 12 years of dedication.” Bigfoot has been in operation for more than 30 years and the company produced motor homes, truck campers and travel trailers. The employee, who asked not to be identified, says pink slips were first handed out last December and the layoffs continued in September. “It’s been stressing all of us out, wondering if we have jobs,” she said. Bigfoot, which is non-union, had about 200 employees at one point, and it’s not known how many were left as of Tuesday.. The worker believes the layoffs will have a significant impact on the economy as the workers own homes, shop locally and support charities. She added that it will also be difficult for them to find new jobs given the economic downturn. “The Lavington glass plant shut down and others are pounding the pavement. It’s hard to take a position for $8 an hour (in the service sector) and we may be deemed as under-qualified because we have no customer service and can’t flip burgers.”

The Township of Spallumcheen is watching the situation closely. “They are one of the big players in the industrial park and own multiple properties,” said Mayor Will Hansma. “There will be an impact but we will have to see what the impact is. Whether a property is vacant or not, they must still pay property taxes.” But while there could be financial implications for the municipality, Hansma’s focus is the employees who not only live in Spallumcheen but throughout the region. “There’s a real concern for the people working there. I feel for them and I hope it’s only a temporary closure,” he said.No one from Bigfoot Industries could be reached for comment.

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Editorial Nov. 20 Morning Star:Economy requires regional approach

The economic crisis continues to dominate the headlines, with much of the media attention on giant multi-national corporations and attempts to reform the global financial system. But here in the North Okanagan, the situation continues to be personal. On Tuesday, employees at Bigfoot Industries in Spallumcheen were handed pink slips. Company officials aren't returning calls, but it's believed the decision is partly based on decreased consumer demand for recreational vehicles. This comes just three weeks after Owens-Illinois closed the Lavington glass plant, throwing 300 people out of work. And we shouldn't forget that the region's most important industry — forestry — has been in a slump for some time. With other businesses likely on the edge, senior levels of government must ensure displaced workers are treated fairly with severance packages and receive vital re-training. There also needs to be a meeting of all North Okanagan mayors, councils and electoral area directors to plot a course to keep our economy on track. Because the reality is that a plant closure in Spallumcheen affects all of us as the workers may live in Vernon, Lumby or Enderby and shop in those places. Among the issues they could discuss is marketing to draw new investors here, determining land for industrial uses and any initiatives that can help retain those businesses we already have. Vernon is establishing a new economic development function Jan. 1, but that is too late to react to the crisis impacting families right here at home. All politicians in the North Okanagan must immediately show they are willing to work together for the benefit of everyone.