Layoff announcements have Calgary workers bracing for pink slips

Hundreds may be packing up their desks in Calgary’s downtown offices, with layoffs announced by two oil and gas companies.

In downtown Calgary, some say more job cuts are inevitable. Nomaan Baig says contractors have already been laid off in his office, however his job is safe. But he’s watching as friends and former colleagues are struggling.

“Definitely a rough time for them, they have mortgages to pay, rent to pay. Yeah, I’m not sure what they’re going to do. It’s going to be at least a year, two years turnaround before they get jobs again so they’re just trying to find part-time jobs at the moment,” says Baig.

Stephen Ahloy says he’s preparing just in case his job is next.

“Being very cautious about how you spend, and looking at the news, paying attention that people are saying, that’s the only thing I’ve definitely changed. But cautious, be cautious,” says Ahloy.

Some are pointing fingers as to who is at fault. Colin believes it’s tied to politics, and Stephen Harper’s government is to blame for not creating more programs to foster a diversified economy.

“There’s been no incentive from the government to even open the door to have opportunities other than oil and gas. I mean, I work in oil and gas too but it’s just a one-sided thing. You don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” said Colin.

Most of the people that 660 NEWS spoke to believe Calgary will recover from the latest round of layoffs, but it might take a year or two. ConocoPhillips confirmed 500 layoffs this morning, while Penn West is cutting 400 jobs.

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