Shell to cut about 10% of Fort McMurray, Alta., area workforce
by The Canadian Press
Cuts will affect less than 10 per cent of 3,000-plus workforce at Muskeg River, Jackpine mines near Fort McMurray, Alta.
EDMONTON—Shell Canada Ltd. said it is reducing its workforce at its oilsands operations near Fort McMurray, Alta.
A company spokesperson said the cuts will affect less than 10 per cent of its 3,000-plus workforce at the Muskeg River and Jackpine oilsands mines.
Cameron Yost said the actual number of reductions hasn’t been determined and most of the people who will be affected will be salaried employees.
He said the cuts are to ensure that Shell’s oilsands business remains competitive and continues to thrive.
Yost said in some cases people will be considered for jobs elsewhere in Shell’s global operations.
Shell said its Albian Sands mining operations account for 17 per cent of Canada’s total oil production.
“We have taken a decision to adjust our Albian Sands organization to ensure that we have got the right number of people in the right positions,” Yost said in an interview.
“As with any company we continually review all areas of our business to ensure that we remain competitive.”
The federal government approved an expansion of the Jackpine project on Dec. 6, 2013.
Shell’s oilsands crude is upgraded into a more easily refined product at its Scotford upgrader, near Edmonton.
Shell Canada’s European parent company is Royal Dutch Shell PLC.
