Ineos Styrolution closing Sarnia plant by 2026

Ineos Styrolution has announced the permanent shutdown of its Sarnia, Ontario plastics plant by June 2026. This decision comes amidst ongoing regulatory scrutiny over benzene emissions from both provincial and federal governments.

The Sarnia site employs 80 people, in addition to a significant number of contractors. The company has committed to working with relevant parties for an orderly and compliant wind-down and closure process.

Closure decision

• Announced on June 11, the decision to close the Sarnia site was described as independent of current regulatory pressures.
• CEO Steve Harrington stated, “This difficult business decision to permanently close our Sarnia site was made following a lengthy evaluation process and is based on the economics of the facility within a wider industry context. The long-term prospects for the Sarnia site have worsened to the point that it is no longer an economically viable operating asset.”

Regulatory context

• The plant has faced multiple regulations and orders due to benzene emissions, impacting the neighboring Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
• In April, the site temporarily shut down after high benzene emissions were recorded.
• New provincial regulations limiting benzene emissions and air quality standards from Environment Canada have been introduced recently.
• Ineos Styrolution has claimed that it has been unfairly targeted by these regulations and has not detected emissions exceeding limits.

Health and environmental concerns

• Benzene, a clear and mostly colorless liquid found in crude oil, is used to make styrene for products like auto parts and food containers.
• Short-term exposure to benzene can cause neurological symptoms, while long-term exposure is linked to cancers such as leukemia.

Severance rights for impacted Ineos Styrolution employees

If you’re a non-unionized employee at Ineos Styrolution in Canada, and your are losing your job as a result of the closure, you are entitled to a full severance package. This rule applies to all non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and B.C., whether you work full-time, part-time, or on an hourly basis.

Even when a facility or company closes (but does not declare bankruptcy), the employer still owes their employees full severance pay.

LEARN MORE
• Severance Pay in Ontario
• Alberta severance packages
• Understanding severance in B.C.

Individuals working “on contract” or as a contractor may also be owed severance pay — given that many employees in Canada are often misclassified as independent contractors.

Calculating your severance pay

Your severance package is based on several factors. These include your length of service at the company, age, position and responsibilities, any bonuses or benefits you receive, and how difficult it is to find new employment.

The amount of notice you receive, or how far in advance your employer tells you about your termination, is also a key factor in understanding how much money you should receive.

Severance can be as much as 24 months’ pay. It’s essential to note that the specific amount can also vary based on the terms of your employment contract.

WATCH: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains what rights employees have if they are being fired or let go on an episode of the Employment Law Show.

Don’t sign on the dotted line!

Before you accept any severance offer, double-check the amount using our firm’s free Severance Pay Calculator. It has helped millions of Canadians determine their entitlements.

In addition to your salary, make sure to factor in any other elements of your compensation (i.e. bonuses, commission, etc.).

If your employer doesn’t provide you with the correct amount, it’s very likely that you have been wrongfully dismissed, and should contact an experienced employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. Do not sign any deadline offer from your employer until you have spoken to our team. Once you sign back the offer, you lose your right to negotiate a fair package.

Non-unionized employees in Canada have up to two years from the date of their dismissal to pursue proper severance pay.

LEARN MORE
• Severance for provincially regulated employees
• Rights to severance for tech sector staff
• Severance packages during mass layoffs

Talk to an employment lawyer

Lost your job at Ineos Styrolution? Contact our team immediately.

The knowledgeable team of employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has secured proper compensation for tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals across the country.

In addition to severance package negotiations, our lawyers have experience securing solutions for the following legal matters:

If you are a non-unionized employee in Ontario, Alberta, or B.C. who needs help with an employment issue, contact us or call 1-855-821-5900 to get the advice you need, and the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and should not be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer.