Work-Sharing Plants the Seeds for a More Fruitful Future

Centreville, Nova Scotia – Nova Agri Inc. farms more than 2,000 acres of rich soil in the Annapolis Valley. This farming organization, consisting of 40 full time employees and 150 seasonal workers, has experienced some difficult times in the last year due to substantially reduced crop yields during the 2008 growing season. In addition, the global economic downturn added extra strains, as the company began seeing a downward trend in product pricing coupled with rising production costs. However, thanks to support from the federal government, Nova Agri Inc. has been able to get back on its feet.

Like many businesses, Nova Agri Inc. considered temporary layoffs to reduce costs. However, through open discussions with its employees, the company was presented with an alternative option: the Government of Canada’s Work Sharing program. This program is designed to avoid layoffs by offering Employment Insurance income benefits to qualifying workers willing to work a reduced work week while their employer recovers.

"Through Work-Sharing, we were able to keep our key staff during a tough time," said Allie Craswell, Director of Supply Chain. "We were able to maintain the integrity of our workforce skills. This allowed us to continue delivering quality products and customer service with complete respect to our employees and customers."

Nova Agri Inc.’s Work-Sharing agreement with 18 participating employees began in January 2009 and ran until June 2009, a shorter time than anticipated. Since the company ended its participation in the program, Nova Agri Inc. is back to normal operations and is doing well.

"We are positive about our company’s prospects, but at the same time, we are vigilant about the future," said Allie. "The Work-Sharing program has permitted us to keep our trained and loyal staff and continue our operations without interruptions. I would recommend the program to any company that is experiencing a temporary reduction in business activities."

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government has extended the duration of Work-Sharing agreements by 14 weeks to a maximum of 52 weeks over the next two years. In addition, it has increased access to Work Sharing agreements by providing greater flexibility in the qualifying criteria, while streamlining processes for employers. This means that more Canadians can continue working while companies experience a temporary slowdown and recover.