Parties promise to ease the burden on TrentonWorks

TRENTON - There may be a little light at the end of the tunnel for TrentonWorks as the three levels of government promise to look at ways to "ease some of the burden" on the railcar plant.

The union, along with company representatives, Central Nova MP Peter MacKay, representatives from the province and Mayor Shannon MacInnis met in New Glasgow Wednesday evening to look at ways the federal and provincial government can help the ailing railcar plant.

"They're basically going to look at easing some of the burden on TrentonWorks surrounding the operations down in Trenton and help make us more competitive within the market," said Dave Fanning, president of the United SteelWorkers of America Local 1231.

The fate of the railcar plant is in serious jeopardy. Only 240 people are currently working on an order - after that's complete, there's nothing else on the books. If more work doesn't come, workers will be laid off again, said Hickey.

TrentonWorks will also be discussed at an April 3 board meeting by its parent company, Oregon-based Greenbrier, where it will be discussed whether the railcar plant is still viable.

"We need the government to come to the plate with some firm commitment," Fanning said. "The possibility of closing the plant is still going to be facing the board on April 3. We need the officials to stay focused."

The meeting was orchestrated by MacKay, just hours before the 1,100 union members were poised to strike.

"It was agreed that all avenues would be explored to obtain a positive outcome for TrentonWorks," MacKay said of Wednesday's meeting. "This includes exploring ways in which government might alleviate pressures brought on by a number of complex factors."

Bob Hickey, general manager of TrentonWorks, said that all of the stakeholders at the meeting seemed focused on making things happen for the plant.

"We talked about a number of moves," Hickey said. "It's looking very positive. Whatever they can do will help."

Trenton Mayor Shannon MacInnis put a tax break on the table as one possibility. The town lowered its tax rate by 14 per cent last year, and it's looking at doing the same in 2007.

"TrentonWorks would be one of the biggest beneficiaries," MacInnis said. "If TrentonWorks were to close down and we lost their taxes, the town would be pretty devastated. There's a lot at stake here and we're committed to doing something."

Stakeholders have agreed to meet again to discuss what can be done prior to the April 3 meeting.

Hickey says Greenbrier's decision will likely depend on what the three levels of government present to the company.

"They can't subsidize the operation," Hickey said. "It depends on the package and what it looks like. But we're definitely moving in the right direction."

Members of the community were also glad to hear early reports of the news.

"We were very excited when we heard," said Mandy Cornish, who operates a convenience store and take out near TrentonWorks.

Every morning between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. TrentonWorks employees create a morning rush at the store, as well as in the afternoon, when the shift gets out.

"It means a lot to the town, not just to us because we're right across the street, but it means a lot to the whole town."