A London-based trucking company is closing its Ingersoll operation, putting nearly 60 people out of work.
The 57 unionized employees at Doug Coleman Trucking in Ingersoll received the devastating news on Monday.
"It came as a total shock to workers, many of whom have worked there for a number of years," said Dan Borthwick, president of Unifor Local 88, which represents the affected employees. "There was no indication whatsoever that things were sour or they weren't going to rebid on work. Things were going well."
Doug Coleman Trucking Ltd. transports automotive parts from Ontario manufacturers to the General Motors Cami assembly plant in Ingersoll.
In an effort to reverse the closure decision, Borthwick has requested a formal meeting with the trucking firm. But Coleman officials have yet to respond to his request.
"We're trying to hopefully have a meeting where we can resolve whatever the issue is and maintain those jobs at the CAMI facility, said Borthwick. "If that can't be done, then we will work through making sure terminations and severance pays are done correctly and we will assist with employment insurance claims, retraining and help those seeking another job."
The job cuts will be done in two phases with the last day of work for 35 of the workers slated for March 26. The final day for the remaining employees has not yet been announced.
Since 2016, Doug Coleman Trucking has shutdown Unifor represented terminals in St. Thomas, Windsor, Kitchener, and Owen Sound. Coleman depots in St. Catharines, Burlington, and Mississauga have also been closed.
