SAINT-HYACINTHE, QUEBEC — Olymel LP, a Canadian poultry and pork processor and distributor, confirmed plans to lay off 100 employees at its Red Deer, Alberta plant 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 stated that it would begin an early retirement incentive program for employees over the age of 60 with 10 years of service to the company. According to the spokesperson, four people already signed a contract for the program, and another 20 people expressed interest.

“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.

With the news of the proposed layoffs, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 401 asked the Canadian provincial government to provide support for employees affected by the company's measure.

The union said its been in constant contact with its members at Red Deer since Olymel announced the layoffs to answer questions and help families dealing with the layoffs.

“Workers are facing unprecedented challenges due to the global affordability crisis. No one wants to contemplate unemployment for any amount of time on top of that,” said Thomas Hesse, president of UFCW Local 401. “While we understand that Olymel expects these adjustments will be temporary and remains confident about the future viability of the Plant, our union believes it is time for the provincial government to step up and provide tangible relief for food workers and their families,"

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

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

At the time, Olymel stated that the sow farm closures 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 announced it would close a major hog processing plant in Quebec that would lay off 994 employees. And in February 2023, Olymel stated that it would close two other pork processing plants.