That is right. There is great precedent in other countries. Canada prides itself as being so fair and equitable with its workforce.
In Germany coal miners with 20 years service who are 50 years of age or older qualify for early retirement pension if they are laid off as a result of a mine closure. There is far better plant closure legislation. A coal company, a mining company or any business enterprise cannot simply announce one day that after 30 years of showing a profit in a community, at 30 years plus one day it is just going to close up shop and walk away. It simply cannot be done. There is an obligation to the community which allowed it to prosper and make a profit every year.
It is even better in France. It is funny how in France we often find inspiration when it comes to fairness toward workers. Pensioners laid off due to a plant closure or any mass layoff are eligible at age 45 with 25 years service to an early retirement pension equal to 80% of salary. That means for those who knock themselves out and give their youth and health to an enterprise which takes and takes, the enterprise has a lasting long term obligation to the workforce that allowed it to function, even if the plant is now closed or it disappears. It is a lasting liability that carries on.
Devco did not offer that long term obligation. The government, as the people in charge of Devco, tried to walk away from that duty and obligation. Thankfully the third party arbitrator intervened and introduced an element of reason and fairness, exactly what the NDP has been saying from day one.