Emergency fund launched for Telus World of Science workers laid off after floods

The museum is expected to be closed until November

Civic Service Union 52 on Thursday announced a $175,000 emergency relief fund for its roughly 145 members temporarily laid off after the weekend’s flood at Telus World of Science. The museum is expected to be closed until November. “The flooding at the Telus World of Science was an unforeseen event that disrupted the normal operations of this much-loved facility,” Bryce Jowett, President of CSU 52, said in a news release.

“In these less-than-ideal circumstances, we feel it’s important that our union steps up to support our members through the financial setback of temporary layoffs.” The layoffs will affect all but a few of the 180 CSU 52 workers employed at the attraction. The emergency relief fund will include one-time payments of $1,000 for part-time employees and $1,800 for full-time employees who lost their job or experienced an “equivalent unpaid interruption of scheduled work,” the news release states.

“Our members go above and beyond every day and in times of need, we want to be there for them,” Jowett said. “Nothing can replace the stability of ongoing employment, but emergency financial support can certainly help alleviate a challenging and unanticipated setback like this.” “For the sake of workers and the many visitors who love the facility, we hope the Telus World of Science can reopen as soon as is safely possible.”

Telus World of Science flooded over the weekend after a powerful thunderstorm swept over Edmonton, inundating roadways, homes, businesses and city facilities. Science centre CEO Constance Scarlett described the damage and the amount of water as “extensive.” You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber.

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