SHAWINIGAN, Que. — Alcan Inc. is laying off 46 employees at a plant in Shawinigan, Que., partly because of slower U.S. residential construction, higher transport costs and the stronger Canadian dollar.
The layoffs will occur over the next few weeks, company spokeswoman Claudine Gagnon said in an interview Thursday.
Gagnon said the plant, which manufactures aluminum cables, is not competitive compared with other Alcan facilities that make the same product.
Gagnon also said the labour situation at the plant is a major issue in contract negotiations. The previous labour agreement expired last month.
The plant has 171 employees, including the 46 who are being laid off.
