NORTH BAY – Ontario Northland is currently undergoing several changes that have become necessary due to costs and market conditions.
"We've formed a strategic alliance with Metrolinx to bring the refurbishment business into North Bay again," said Corina Moore, Ontario Northland President.
The ONR is also moving six locomotive engineers and conductors to its operation in Englehart.
The move means no job losses but does require relocations.
The rail service is also currently working on a business case in regards to reviving passenger rail service from Toronto to Cochrane.
"We continue to work on it and we're collaborating very close with Metrolinx and we will have that business case out by the end of the year, and then it will go to the government for decision making," said Moore.
"It's sort of in limbo and I've been saying listen we're going to bring back or hopefully if Ford and Vic keep their promise, there will be rail passenger service," said Andy Mitchell, Unifor Local 103.
Meanwhile, ONR have made other changes regarding freight volume, and are making adjustments for market conditions and demands.
The union says this year, over 30 people were laid off by the company, but most of them brought back to work, and the hope is the rest will be brought back by early next year.
"I'm hoping in the New Year we'll start seeing a positive change. We've been fighting to get Ontario Northland moved from the MNDM to the MTO, which is a transportation agency," explained Mitchell.
Ontario Northland says many changes are due to advances in technology and the company says it will continue to make decisions to remain fiscally responsible.
