In the face of low crude oil prices, Calgary, based pipeline operator Enbridge Inc. has cut 500 workers, or 5 percent of its U.S. and Canadian workforce, including an unspecified number at Minnesota operations.
Company officials also said Monday that 100 open positions won't be filled. No specific regional job loss numbers were disclosed, but Enbridge spokeswoman Lorraine Little said "workforce reductions in Minnesota were consistent with the 5 percent experienced across the company."
Enbridge employed more than 400 people in the state, so a 5 percent reduction translates into more than 20 positions. Enbridge's operations include crude oil pipelines in northern Minnesota, offices in Duluth and terminals in Clearbrook, Minn., and Superior, Wis.
The layoffs at Enbridge follow tens of thousands of other job cuts across the Canadian oil and gas industry as a result of the slump in global crude prices. Producers have been hardest hit but service providers are also feeling the pinch.
Staff and wire reports
