A new $500 million contract awarded to Alstom by the Ontario government will see the refurbishment of over 180 additional GO Transit rail cars. This major investment will sustain employment for 200 to 250 workers at the Thunder Bay plant for the next five years, extending the plant's involvement in the GO Transit rail car program until 2031. Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria emphasized the importance of skilled labor in Thunder Bay as the province continues to develop its transit infrastructure.
Alstom officials announced a new $500 million contract with the Ontario government to upgrade over 180 additional GO Transit rail cars. The contract will ensure continued work for between 200 and 250 workers at the Alstom plant in Thunder Bay for an additional five years. Ontario Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria made the announcement at the plant on Wednesday, alongside company officials and Thunder Bay -Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland.
Sarkaria emphasized the importance of skilled labor in Thunder Bay as Ontario builds its transit system, stating that Premier Doug Ford wants to see more jobs created at the plant and throughout the province. The contract extends the work on refurbishing rail cars for GO Transit, a regional public transit service for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. In 2021, the province placed an order for 94 GO Transit rail car refurbishments, with that work expected to conclude in 2026. Wednesday's announcement means work will continue on the additional coaches from 2026 until 2031, according to Alstom's vice president of services for North America, Josee Ouellet. Ouellet highlighted the security and stability this contract provides for the plant's employees, allowing them to plan for the future and potentially attract more talent. Justin Roberts, president of Unifor Local 1075, representing the plant employees, expressed relief and gratitude for the contract, stating that it alleviates worry about job security and plant closure. He emphasized how the lack of official contracts can lead to anxiety among members, and this new contract provides reassurance that the plant will remain operational. The upgrades to the GO Transit rail cars will include new seating, doors, flooring, walls, and ceilings, along with improved washrooms, updated electrical outlets featuring USB ports, and new HVAC control systems. Gaining experience in this type of work also expands the type of jobs the local plant can perform in the future. Ouellet explained that the plant will not only be capable of building new cars but also modernizing and overhauling existing ones, which often requires faster turnaround times.
Alstom GO Transit Rail Car Upgrades Thunder Bay Ontario Job Security Economy
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