Darren Campbell
Northern News Services

FORT RESOLUTION (Aug 17/98) - James Balsillie just wants some justice.

The 64-year-old Fort Resolution man had worked at the community's sawmill, now known as Great Slave Forest Products, for 30 years when he was laid off on July 22.

What is worse is the reason he was given for being let go -- he said he was told by the sawmill's general manager, Dan Walton, that he was too old. That has the millwright and foreman ticked off.

"I never did anything wrong. I was there to do a job and I did my job," said Balsillie. "I'm 64 years old and I still think I could beat some of the young guys they have there."

Balsillie said the beginning of the end for him was when Walton was hired to run the sawmill in July, which employs 21 people when it operates in the summer. He believes he got on Walton's bad side by speaking his mind about how the mill was being run.

But the trouble really began on July 21 when Balsillie said a meeting was called and Walton announced he was getting rid of the night shift. Balsillie was on dayshift so he came to work the next day. It was then, he said, Walton told him he was laid off. When he demanded a reason, he said he was told he was too old and they needed someone younger.

Balsillie said the lay off is costing him his normal salary of $35,000 and, with one year to go before he retires, the money would come in handy. He said he is looking at his options on what to do next.

"I feel the sawmill should be responsible for it," said Balsillie.

However, Walton said Balsillie's version of his layoff is clouded.

"He's just playing games," said Walton. "That's crap."

Walton said a general meeting was called at which he talked about the changes being made to the sawmill and that there would be layoffs. He said the staff was told those keeping their jobs would be told by phone and those being laid off would get a letter in the mail.

"He (Balsillie) chose not to hear that," said Walton.

Walton also disputes the fact that he ever told Balsillie he was being let go because he was too old. He said he needed a foreman at the mill and Balsillie lost out to another employee who Walton felt was better at the job.

"I chose the person purely on competence," said Walton. "I don't care if someone is 80 years-old as long as he can do the job."

Balsillie said he questions how Walton is running the mill. Beyond his own problems, Balsillie said he is worried about the future of the business. He claims production is down and he wonders what will happen if it closes down.

"If the sawmill goes downhill again, there is nothing here," said Balsillie. "It puts some food on the table for some of these families."

Walton said Balsillie's concern is unfounded. He said production is going well and the mill is putting out 20,000 to 25,000 feet of lumber a day now.