Hamilton Entertainment and Convention / Jobs for more than 800 staff still uncertain

There’s still uncertainty among HECFI’s more than 800 staff over what will happen to their jobs when Copps Coliseum, Hamilton Place and the convention centre change hands, a move that could happen as soon as March 1.

Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc. has 52 full-time and about 800 part-time employees. All are nervous about their futures as the city negotiates with private operators to take over HECFI’s three facilities, CEO John Hertel said on Monday.

Global Spectrum will take over Copps Coliseum and Hamilton Place. Carmen’s Inc. will take over the convention centre.

HECFI has been holding workshops and meetings, distributing newsletters and having “Coffee with John” sessions to keep staff informed, Hertel said during an information session at city hall. The session meant to be a HECFI board of directors meeting, but that was cancelled due to the lack of quorum.

It’s been a challenging time for employees, Hertel said.

“Even if it looks like that job in that venue must go on, you still have no confirmation you’re going to be the person in it,” he said after the session.

HECFI has many long-time employees who have spent the bulk of their careers there, and “they’re at a significant period of uncertainty.”

“We’re just trying to communicate as frequently as we can and share information as we learn it as quickly as we can.”

Choosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor from

via Jobs for more than 800 HECFI staff still uncertain – Hamilton.