Halifax shipyard workers walk out, allege worker’s suspension led to suicide

HALIFAX – Workers at the Irving Shipyard in Halifax walked off the job today in protest of what they say was a suspension that prompted a worker to commit suicide.

Rick Rose of Unifor says a worker took his own life on Wednesday after he was suspended for 30 days.

Rose says the death came after a series of disciplinary actions involving various employees.

He declined to release the name of the identity of the worker.

He says other employees are upset over what they say is an increase in disciplinary actions by management.

A spokeswoman for the Irving Shipyard wasn’t immediately available for comment.

Rose says he is meeting with management today about the death and the workers’ grievances.

Rose says the workers left the job at about 7:30 a.m. today and marched outside the shipyard.