What the November 4 announcement says
Sherritt International says it will temporarily lay off approximately 280 employees, or 47% of its Canadian workforce, to preserve liquidity while it works to restore metals refining in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta.
The company expects the layoffs to last about 90 days, with earlier recalls possible depending on operational needs. It gives no firm refinery restart date.
The refining halt happened in June
Refining stopped on June 22 after feed inventory ran out. The November 4 announcement concerns staffing during that existing interruption.
Ammonia fertilizer and sulphuric-acid production and sales, maintenance, environmental protection and safety activities are expected to continue during the layoff period. Sherritt’s operations page distinguishes the site’s fertilizer business from the metals refinery.
A restart still has conditions
Sherritt says it received the first of a series of anticipated emergency licences on October 19. Further regulatory, operational and financial requirements remain as it works towards restoring production.
Affected staff should seek individual timing and recall confirmation from the employer. The approximate 90-day expectation is not a guaranteed return-to-work date.
