Olymel reveals layoffs in Alberta

SAINT-HYACINTHE, QUE. — Olymel LP, a Canadian poultry and pork processor and distributor, confirmed plans to lay off 100 employees over the next few weeks.

A company spokesperson said 30 temporary layoff notices were issued last week, and another 30 temporary layoffs are planned for this week.

Olymel said it would begin an early retirement incentive program for employees over the age of 60 with 10 years of service to the company. Four people already signed a contract for the program, and another 20 people expressed interest, the spokesperson said.

“We are also looking at other mitigation options that could help reduce the number of temporary layoffs,” Olymel said. “We are continuing to assess the situation, and adjustments will be made as necessary over the coming weeks, depending on the success of the unique early retirement incentive program and the plant’s natural turnover rate (non-replacement of voluntary departures), in order to achieve the required number of employees.”

On Jan. 4, the Red Deer plant also announced an overstaffing of 200 people.

In the last year, Olymel implemented some major changes in its business.

The meat producer announced in May 2023 the closing of six sow units in Alberta and Saskatchewan, which caused 80 people to be laid off.

At the time, Olymel said the sow farm closings would result in a net reduction of approximately 200,000 market hogs annually to the Olymel Red Deer slaughter facility from company-owned farms.

Last April, Olymel said it would close a major hog processing plant in Quebec that would lay off 994 employees. And in February 2023, Olymel said it would close two other pork processing plants.