by Anne-Marie Jennings
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 04/98) - Railway employees in Hay River have agreed to continue working with RaiLink, the new operators of the short-line railway.

The rail employees were offered a severance package from CN and a job with the new short-line operator or they could choose to remain with CN and transfer to another position.

Paul Delorey, union representative for the railway employees in Hay River, said the decision to stay or go was a difficult one -- and a very personal one.

"There's a lot to consider," Delorey said. "For me, I've been working on the railroad for 28 years."

Delorey added that the biggest selling point RaiLink had for those who would join the new operator was one thing -- having a job.

"They are really looking at going after a lot of business," Delorey said.

Clayton Jones, vice-president for the Mackenzie-Northern Division of RaiLink, said the decision by employees to remain working on the line will allow for a smooth transition.

"The employees in Hay River are all good quality rail people," Jones said. "We're glad all the employees have decided to come work for RaiLink."

RaiLink officially took control of the Hay River line as of yesterday, May 3. Jones said the first order of business for the new operator is to work on increasing business on the short-line railway.