The timeline for issuing a $13-million payout to workers who lost their jobs when a Tumbler Ridge coal mine was shut down remains in limbo.
In a decision issued last week, a judge extended the deadline New Walter Canada Group must meet to file a plan of compromise and arrangement to creditors to June 1.
In April 2014, some 280 workers at the Wolverine Mine were put on layoff without receiving 60 days notice. The United Steelworkers Local 1-2017 subsequently took the mine's owner, then known as Walter Energy Canada, to the Labour Relations Board and in October 2017 said it secured adjustment pay adding up to $13 million for improper closure.
Workers had expected to get their cheques by the end of 2017 or early January. But the deadline for filing a plan was then extended February 28, then April 16 and now June 1.
Plan structuring issues, related to tax matters in particular, was the source of the latest delay, according to an affidavit from chief restructuring officer William Aziz.
"Accordingly, the New Walter Canada Group is seeking a brief 45-day extension of the stay period to fully document the agreed-upon solution to the plan structuring issues and to consult with relevant stakeholders," Aziz said.
In a submission arguing against a previous extension, USW Local 1-2017 business agent Dan Will said the delays have caused hardship for the workers.
