Future after IOC layoff unclear for Labrador cousins

Two cousins from coastal Labrador are facing an uncertain future after receiving layoff notices from IOC in Labrador West.

Adam Campbell, 23, and Everett Campbell, 30, are drill operators and two of 150 workers who received layoff notices at the mine last week.

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The men have been working at the mine for three years and found out about the cut to workers from Facebook, receiving letters from the company a few days later.

Adam Campbell admits he's better off than workers with mortgages and families to support, but is still wary of the uncertainty that lies ahead.

"Being a 23-year-old making over $100,000 and going back not knowing what I'm going to make now, it's going to be hard," he said.

"Had some pretty expensive spending habits there for a while, so I guess I [have] to make a couple of lifestyle changes."

Job opportunities sought

The younger Campbell is originally from Charlottetown, Labrador, where he plans to return for the short-term.

He's now eyeing the Muskrat Falls and Voisey's Bay developments for job prospects.

Everett Campbell said it will be a major adjustment to move on from a job he really enjoyed.

"We put a crazy amount of time into getting the job we got and it's disappointing ending up losing it," he said. "We'll take it one day at a time and hope for the best."

IOC said the layoffs were necessary to keep its operation profitable in the face of falling iron ore prices.

The job cuts take effect June 14.