Coast Guard proceeds with MCTS Comox closure prior to Parliamentary Committee Recommendations

OTTAWA, April 12, 2016 /CNW/ - The union representing Canada's Coast Guard Communications Officers says that Coast Guard Management is proceeding with an ill-advised plan to close the Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre (MCTS) in Comox, BC despite the fact that the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans is still investigating the proposal and has yet to make its recommendations.

At a hearing today of the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans, the President of Unifor Local 2182 will testify that front line Officers have been told that MCTS Comox will close in less than a month. The decision to close May 10 was made while the Committee continues to gather evidence for its report and without regard for the Parliamentary process.

"The Coast Guard is rushing into this despite evidence of flawed communication technology, critical staffing shortages and increased risk to marine safety," said Joie Warnock, Unifor's Western Director. "This is not only a bad business decision, it is a reckless one. "

Allan Hughes is available for media interviews in Ottawa.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing nearly 300 communication officers at Canada's Marine Communications and Traffic Services (MCTS) centres.

SOURCE Unifor