MARYSTOWN, NL – The union representing employees at Kiewit facilities in Marystown and Cowhead is disappointed negotiations to purchase the shipyard in Marystown have fallen through.
“If the sale has fallen through … with this group, I guess there will be no work down there for the near future,” said Rick Farrell, president of Unifor Local 20.
Farrell said although an agreement between Kiewit and the Burry Group has fallen through, officials with Kiewit have provided some encouraging news to members.
“We have been told by Kiewit officials that they’re looking at other potential buyers, and that is encouraging,” said Farrell.
News of a potential buyer for the shipyard facility first made headlines last October, when details emerged that a Newfoundland company had entered into an agreement to purchase the facility.
In an e-mail statement from Tom Janssen, a spokesperson for the company said Kiewit is committed to selling the shipyard facility.
“We had a signed contract with the buyer. However, the buyer delayed final closing six times since Oct. 2016,” he said.
“The buyer was unable to close the purchase on the scheduled closing date of June 15, 2017 which terminated the contract. We are currently pursuing talks with other interested buyers.”
