ESTEVAN - Since he became Estevan’s mayor in 2012, Roy Ludwig has been juggling two full-time jobs: his work as mayor, and his career with the local mines.
But as of Nov. 3, he only has one full-time job to worry about.
Ludwig had his final shift for Westmoreland Mining LLC on Tuesday, ending a 45-year career with the mines.
His first job was under a tipple, loading boxcars with coal. Those railcars then went out to smaller communities, where people used the coal to heat homes and other buildings.
“A lot of the houses had coal, so then they would take coal out of the boxcars and pay for it,” said Ludwig.
After working at the tipple, he was a brakeman and operator on a locomotive. He also drilled and blasted the coal, and worked on the draglines.
“These machines are amazing. I never get tired of watching them. They are like modern-day dinosaurs – slow-moving and take a big bite. And they are electric. No emissions.”
Ludwig worked on monitoring and replacing tires on coal haulers, loaders and other heavy equipment; and on dewatering crews to pump water out of the pits. He had a variety of jobs at the mines over the years.
He also served as the president of the United Mine Workers of America Local 7606 for 13 years; and was on the mine rescue team for 23 years.
“We did very well at the provincial competitions, and even went to the world competition in Gilette, Wyoming,” said Ludwig, noting the trip to the worlds came in the 1990s.
He enjoyed working on the mines and the people he interacted with.
“I had the privilege of working with some really interesting people, as you can imagine, and I had a lot of fun,” said Ludwig.
One of his favourite parts of the job was working outdoors. Ludwig recalled that when he was growing up on a farm in the Lampman area, he always enjoyed outside work.
He’s been conflicted about retiring, because he continued to enjoy the work, but 45 years is a long time to be at one job.
“I’ve come to grips with the fact that this is the right move, in talking to my wife and talking to my family, and now I’ve settled with that in my mind,” said Ludwig.
As for his work as mayor, Ludwig said he’s not going anywhere. He says he still enjoys working with council, the management team, the city employees and the people of the community.
“I spend a lot of time there now, which I do enjoy. I know some people do question the amount of time; is it enough? Is it too much? But over the years, I think I’ve been able to get the experience, and I think I have a very good grasp on how much time is needed,” said Ludwig.
Prior to becoming mayor, Ludwig spent 18 years as a city councillor in addition to his mining commitments.
Ludwig hopes that carbon capture and storage can be expanded on Unit 6 at the Boundary Dam Power Station and at the Shand Power Station, so that good-paying jobs can remain at the mines and SaskPower.
“Our people at the mines and power plants … are generous within our community. For example, look at the United Way donations, along with the spending that they do in our local economy, which helps to keep it strong.”
Ludwig looks forward to spending time travelling with his wife, and spending more time with his children and grandchildren.
