WALTER ENERGY

I'd worked at Walter Energy for a year and a half. Recent management changes have caused the work force to become confused to the security of their jobs.
As Sr. HSE Coordinator, I had to ensure the safety of all persons (Workers, Contractors & Visitors) on site were being considered before any work began. Invesitgations for incidents and daily statistic reporting as well as ensuring Mine Rescue training was in place and effective.
Being new to 'mining' I'd learned much about the processess to coal production in a Pit Mine method. Including the industry standards for safety which varied from the normal OH&S guidelines.
Co-workers at the mine were generally friendly and cooperative and always willing to share their knowledge & experience.
Most difficult part of the job would be the disconnection between the Alabama HQ and the North Canadian operations.
Immediate (on-site) mine management was supportive to many safety initiatives and improvements. This was refreshing to see.
The mine is situated in a remote location and aproximately 1 hour drive from the nearest town (1/2 of it on a forestry road).
Recently, there has been a large destabilizing to the 3 mines owned in Northern BC by Walter Energy. This is due to recent reduced market coal prices, a decision to close one of the 3 mines, and new guidelines which seems to be putting production numbers ahead of safety.

Employment presses was chaotic, unorganized and stressful. 

Direction was always unclear. 

Unable to fulfill promises of training ie. Promised to be enrolled in a course provided by the company on company time told 4 times I was able to participate then told 4 times unable to participate within one day. Ultimately disappointing.

Management was unorganized. Direction as to who to speak to about certain matters was always unclear and a run around.

Hardest part of the job was communication with management on issues.

Most enjoyable part of the job was establishing relationships with co workers and the ability to work together in times of stress.

During my employment, I enjoyed the fast paced work environment and my co-workers. I appreciated the 6 and 6 shift schedule which allowed for a good work/life balance. The departmental Manager was very knowledgeable and experienced, I consistently learned new skills relevant to heavy Industry Warehousing from him. Under his leadership, the work environment and departmental efficiency  improved significantly. Unfortunately due to declining global coal prices, our operation was idled earlier this year, ending the progress our department was experiencing. Should coal prices recover to the extent that Walter Energy would re-start its operation, I would definitely re-apply for a Warehouse position.

The workers out in the pit getting their hands dirty made this job a good one. The fun attitude of the crews and their friendliness made going to work a good experience. Although most companies management isn't loved by all. I will have to agree and say that they could have been a lot more professional. When it came down to the end, there was poor communication with the workers about the future of the company. I feel very left in the dark until my last day when they laid everyone off. I feel like they could have done a better job in that area. With that being said, if the mine does open up and I am available I would return to site. I love the Community of Tumbler Ridge and would love to return.

A typical day would be a 12 hour day. The start of my shift would inquirer me to ensure proper fluid levels are maintain in the fleet. Working with the maintenance planner to perform preventive maintenance on the mining equipment based on a 500 hour service interval. I learned basic diagnostic and mechanical skills. Management was helpful and respectful of their employees. My co-workers were a team player and would make the work environment pleasurable. The hard part of my job would be working away from home and the extreme weather conditions. What made my job enjoyable was the wide variety of equipment to learn about and work on.

A typical day at the warehouse would be starting off with our safety meetings, we would start to do inspections on loaders and forklift. 
I have learned so much from walter energy, for example - shipping/receiving, how to operate loaders and forklift and being trained to be lead hand that had lots of responsibility which I didn't mind, it was the time when the mine shut down so I didn't officially get the title. 
My crew was amazing, we were awesome as a team and individually as well. We completed tasks professionally and were considered the best crew out of the two.

Walter Energy came in and took over, getting rid of the main contractor on site thinking they could do a better job and/or make more money.  This company could not organize themselves out of a wet paper bag and they were not very personable to staff.  They would not take into consideration any ideas that staff had, just told us all what to do and to just do it or we wouldn't have a job.

The company provided new equipment which was a lot more healthier than other companies I have worked for. The wages and benefits were excellent but the job security was not very good as coal prices go up and down. The company provided suitable vacation time and was lenient of family days. I enjoyed working with my co-workers very much. And the leadership in the company was very good in regards to the supervisors.

I loved my time working at wolverine mine. too bad it shut down otherwise I would still be there. I was lucky enough to work there long enough to get a wealth of experience and do what I love. I never thought I would achieve my red seal in hd mechanics or operate the equipment I did. Most places like in logging make you work 20 years just to get out of general labour . The pay was great. the job was great. I cant say enough good things about it.

With coal prices plummeting from the start there was no job security. Laid off with half hours notice from company. Overall employment was great, ending of employment for all 700 of us worker was completely unacceptable, we are still waiting on severance and in-leiu of notice settlement. Its been 2 years since we were terminated without notice.

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