Halifax Shipyard workers stage walkout over pensions

Irving Shipyard employees in Halifax staged a walkout on Thursday as a protest over what they say is a change to their pension contributions.

According to an online statement by Unifor MWF Local 1 pay stubs indicate the company has stopped paying pension contributions on overtime.

“This is another disappointing tactic by the company to upset our members and cause a possible workplace dispute,” the statement reads.

The walkout happened around lunch time, a worker at the shipyard told The Signal.

The union released an updated statement on its website by about 2:30 p.m., saying the company had reinstated pension contributions.

“The employer has also agreed that no discipline will occur as a result of today’s protest,” the statement reads.

Unifor represents 800 members at the Halifax Shipyard, according to the union’s website.

Irving has not been able to be reached for comment.