Saint John council is calling on the province to take action against the American Iron and Metal facility in the city.
Coun. David Hickey brought a motion before council Monday requesting they send a letter to the premier and other provincial officials “calling on their action specific to AIM’s operations in order to protect workers and our community.”
The facility, located on the city’s west side, has been the site of two workplace fatalities in the past seven months.
“Despite not having any real legislative authority over this, I think it’s important that we lend our voice to it and ensure that the province and relevant legislators know our opinion on it,” Hickey said during Monday’s meeting.
In his remarks to council, Hickey said the province needs to suspend AIM’s approval to operate until a new operating agreement is in place to protect the community and prioritize the safety of workers.
The province, however, has said the company’s approval to operate is related solely to environmental requirements
WorkSafeNB continues to investigate both fatalities and issued a stop-work order for the piece of machinery involved in the most recent incident — a press roller for preparing for recycling.
Coun. Greg Norton said they have faith in those who are investigating the workplace deaths.
“A motion like this isn’t to undermine our cast doubt or project that we do not have faith in the good work that WorkSafe is doing,” said Norton.
