Bridgewater Michelin H-1-N-1

With the word of Pandemic planning comes a confirmed case of H-1-N-1 influenza at the Michelin plant in Bridgewater. An employee tells CKBW there was a staff memo circulated this morning saying the one worker had been diagnosed with the swine flu - but it is described as a mild case. Another plant official unofficially confirms that but says the name of the affected worker is being kept confidential. The medical staff is the only group in the plant who are aware of all of the details. But workers are being directed to follow the precautions that are laid out by the Nova Scotia Health department in their pandemic guidelines. Things like frequent hand-washing, sneezing or coughing into your sleeve or isolating yourself if you feel sick.

Michelin Anniversary

July 1969. Apollo 11 astronauts launch for the moon. The Beatles record "The End" and Michelin announced it was coming to North America. That year, the tire manufacturer said it would build two plants, one in Granton and one in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Michelin is now celebrating 40 years in the province. During the last four decades Michelin has produced millions of tires, created thousands of jobs, invested billions of dollars and announced a number of expansions, including the addition of a third facility in Waterville in 1982. As part of the celebration, Michel Rollier, managing general partner, Groupe Michelin; Francois Michelin, retired managing partner, Groupe Michelin; and Dick Wilkerson, chairman and president, Michelin North America, visited the Granton facility. There they thanked employees for their dedication and contributions to the success of the company.

Michelin Plan

2009-03-27

Some previously announced layoffs in Waterville have been avoided now that Michelin's Work-sharing program application has been approved.   The Service Canada program goes into effect April 5th.  And Michelin officials say that means they won't have to move forward with the planned layoff of 95 flexible workforce employees.  Over 500 Michelin regular and flexible workforce employees elected to participate in the program that will run for 18 weeks. It can be re-evaluated based on market fluctuations.  Under Work-Sharing, Michelin Waterville employees will work reduced hours with the remainder of their hours covered by Employment Insurance.  Earlier this month, the company announced 9 layoffs at the plant in Bridgewater and 33 at the Granton operation.