Hundreds of workers at Canadian pipeline giant Enbridge haved opted for a voluntary buyout program as the company navigates the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and an unprecedented oil demand shock. The Calgary-based company says about 800 employees — roughly seven per cent of its workforce — will be taking the buyouts that Enbridge introduced in May. Enbridge said the buyouts are spread out across the company, which employed approximately 11,500 workers in both Canada and the United States prior to the announced departures. Marc Weil, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, said Enbridge wanted to give its employees a choice — and avoid layoffs — as it aimed to reduce operating costs. Enbridge CEO Al Monaco, seen here in this 2019 file photo, said in May that the company planned to reduce its 2020 operating costs by about $300 million.

Source: CBC News June 17, 2020 18:33 UTC