Port Weller ship yard tries not to sink

(Updated) While premier Kathleen Wynne is promising job creation will be on the agenda at this week’s premiers’ meeting in Niagara-on-the lake, the Niagara region has taken another economic hit.

Seaway Marine shipyard in St Catharines has filed for bankruptcy protection, putting the future of about 150 employees in jeopardy.

Frank England has worked at the shipyard for 38 years as a welder and maintenance man. Laid off for the usual summer shutdown, he’s now shocked to hear the company’s filed for bankruptcy protection.

“I just seen a foreman on Thursday and he said there’s a good chance of getting a coast guard vessel. And it’s coming in the first week of August. I was expecting a call to go back to work next week to set blocks. Found out the company’s going bankrupt.”

Bankruptcy documents show Seaway Marine owes $12 million to more than 200 creditors.

Union steward John Marsala says it was blindsided by the news. “There was a couple little hints here and there. Something didn’t look right. Didn’t feel right. But for all this to happen, we didn’t believe it would happen this quick.”

The workers here have been through this kind of thing before, back in 2006 when then Port Weller Dry Docks filed for bankruptcy protection. But the difference then was that Port Weller had $80 million worth of work still on the books.

In May, they finished the $6 million refit of the coast guard vessel Amundsen. Last spring, the shipyard got a $22 million contract to refit HMCS Athabaska.

In 2003, Port Weller refitted HMCS Haida.

Meanwhile workers like Frank England are wondering what they’re going to do next. “With the employment situation here in Niagara and the changes to unemployment it’s sure going to make it tough for people in my age group that’s for sure.”

Since he was laid off, machinist Jeff Pelican has been applying for jobs across the country. “I’m 52 two years old. No it’s not easy to find a job. If you’re over 50, it’s not that easy. I’m putting applications all over the place.”

“We’re hoping for a potential buyer to come forward and purchase the entire yard. But if that doesn’t happen, it doesn’t look good for us at all.”