Recent developments in the oil and gas industry forced the laying off of approximately 70 employees at the Cameron-Schlumberger plant located inside the Industrial Park.
Evangeline Parish Police Jury President Ryan “LeDay” Williams confirmed the layoffs in a statement and said, “The Cameron-Schlumberger layoff that happened last week was most likely due to the downturn in the oil and gas industry along with the price of natural gas not being stable.”
He added, “Hopefully the oil and gas industry will strengthen back up and allow our people of Evangeline Parish to get back to work and have stability.”
Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine commented about the layoffs, “It is very hurtful. My heart and prayers go out to the employees because it is a tremendous impact on those who lost their jobs and on their families. I’m praying for all of their families.
She added, “We will be working closely with the Chamber of Commerce to organize a job fair for those who lost their jobs to connect them with companies who are hiring.”
Plant Manager and Ville Platte Rotarian Billy Fontenot was contacted about the layoffs following Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. At the time, he did not wish to comment but said he will wait to address the Rotary Club on the issue at an upcoming meeting. Fontenot said on Friday he was still “waiting for them to confirm the next opening for the talk.”
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TONY MARKS Associate Editor