Trades NL says it’s “shocked” with word of 75 layoffs on the West White Rose project.

The notification came down the day after both the federal and provincial government announced $41.5-million in funding to keep the project in warm idle mode through 2021.

Executive Director of Trades NL, Darin King says it’s difficult to understand how the layoffs would occur just one day after last week’s major funding announcement.

75 jobs have been affected, leaving them having to reconcile a major infusion of cash with layoffs.

He’s reached out to Premier Andrew Furey who facilitated a full briefing for his organization. Still, King says, many questions remain.

They include 30 new jobs in procurement and engineering, leading to question about what those positions will be if there’s no major work at Argentia this year.