Urgent Layoffs at 5 Wing Goose Bay Amid Defense Spending Boost

URGENT UPDATE: Just announced layoffs at 5 Wing Goose Bay have shocked employees and union leaders, despite the Canadian government’s recent commitment to increase defense spending. The Union of National Defence Employees (UNDE) confirmed that five civilian positions have been cut by Serco, the private company managing the base.

Union president June Winger expressed disbelief over the decision, highlighting that the affected roles include a customer service manager, mechanic, supply operative, workforce planner, and HR coordinator. “It really came as quite a surprise,” Winger stated, noting that Serco had previously assured there would be no layoffs.

Winger revealed that a corporate representative had only recently visited the base for job shadowing, leading to speculation about the selection process for the layoffs. “Frankly, it’s sickening as a taxpayer, never mind as a national president for a union,” she added.

The layoffs come at a time when Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a significant investment of $81.8 billion to bolster the Canadian Armed Forces over the next five years. This funding is part of a broader strategy to meet NATO’s 2% spending target by March. Just last month, Carney had promised to elevate defense spending to 5% of Canada’s GDP over the next decade, with local MP Philip Earle suggesting that this could benefit 5 Wing Goose Bay.

Winger criticized the layoffs as nonsensical, especially given the impending military expansion. “It doesn’t make any sense, especially at a time when we know National Defence is going to be expanding,” she emphasized.

The union believes the layoffs may be an attempt by Serco to maximize profits from their government contract. Winger warned that the impact extends beyond the five employees let go, stating, “When these five employees are no longer [employees], what’s going to happen there? They’re not going to be contributing to the community.” She stressed that the layoffs will affect local spending and the overall economic health of Goose Bay.

In response to these developments, UNDE is calling on the Auditor General of Canada to investigate the Department of National Defence’s contract with Serco and to reconsider the reliance on private contractors for civilian jobs.

As of now, Serco has not responded to requests for comment regarding the layoffs. The situation remains fluid, with local leaders and community members voicing their concerns over the long-term implications of these job losses.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.