Workers remain hopeful for future of Come By Chance refinery after union meetings
3rd company interested in buying plant
The future of the Come By Chance oil refinery remains unknown, after a deal to sell the facility fell through, union meetings on Wednesday has given hope to some workers.
A third company has thrown its hat into the ring with potential plans the purchase the facility, which is facing a complete shutdown if a buyer isn't found. The identity remains a mystery, along with one other company that has expressed interest so far.
The only known candidate is Origin International, a United States-based company that specializes in recycling oil. The refinery supplies almost all of the province's fuel.
The Arnold's Cove Lion's Club was bustling with refinery workers as members of United Steelworkers Local 9316 discussed their options. Some were expecting more bad news, as 23 workers were laid off last week due to cost-cutting by the refinery's current owner, North Atlantic Refining.
"You're looking at people who were thinking, 'Is there any hope?' This has given us hope, the hope that we need to keep on going," said Dennis Fowler, who had been working at the refinery since the fall of 1996. "It looks a lot brighter."
Fowler is among the growing list of people who have been laid off. Now 63, he said he's one of the ones who will be able to make it through until retirement, but the future of the refinery will determine the future of the younger generations.
"We got young people with families, homes ... mortgages and everything else. These people need to know where their next dollar is coming from," he said.
Such is the case of Larry Eddy, 30, who hasn't set foot inside the refinery since April. Eddy, married and a father of two, has house payments and vehicle payments he's trying to stay on top of.
He said right now he has no job and no prospects.
"The only hope right now is one of the other companies decides to buy, or at the very least the government steps in," Eddy said.
"It's been a very different situation, being a father and all. It's big changes. [I've been] looking for work, but it's a very grim future."
But like Fowler, Eddy said he remains hopeful after Wednesday's meeting.
"The news on Oct. 5 that the refinery may close, I feel a lot more optimistic that's not going to happen now," he said. "I feel more positive after that meeting."
Meanwhile, CBC News has learned North Atlantic Refining has asked for help from the Public Utilities Board, looking for an increase in the regulated wholesale price of gasoline and diesel, along with home heating fuels.
Its hope is to generate more revenue to help it weather a sluggish economy under the pandemic.
With files from Terry Roberts