UPDATE: Maple Leaf workers to get help

Workers at the Maple Leaf Poultry plant in Kings County ( Canada ) have a central location to visit where they can get information and help prepare themselves for life after the plant closes in April.

The Education Department announced Wednesday that it has opened a transition office at the plant for the 380 employees and said it is operated in partnership with Service Canada, Maple Leaf management and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. The office will provide training for the employees as they try to find new jobs in the communities. Representatives from the department and Service Canada will also be on hand to help with questions about employment insurance.

The union, however, is not involved in the office yet. He said the local at the plant was notified, but the union as an organization wasn't asked to participate. He said it probably will become involved at some point but is working on getting its own information together for employees.

While the service is free to employees, their wages will be docked if they go to the office on company time. The Education Department said it plans to bring in other organizations from the community to make sure employees have access to available support services. The office will be open as long as required, the Education Department said.

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Editor WorldPoultry