Lorain Officials Blast National Trade Policy As Cause of Republic Idling
January 12, 2016
By: Katie Nix, The Chronicle-Telegram
January 12, 2016
Local elected officials took shots Monday at Republic Steel’s decision last week to idle its facility in Lorain indefinitely.
“Republic’s news of its temporary idling due to energy market conditions and steel dumping is yet another recent example of how what we do in Lorain is tied to international economics and policy that are outside of our control,” Mayor Chase Ritenauer said in a statement. “The energy sector is volatile, and my hope is that the market makes a quicker-than-expected rebound so that our steel workers can do what they do best — make high-quality, American-made steel. My thoughts and prayers are with the workers and their families during this incredibly difficult period.”
The company announced Thursday it plans to idle its plant indefinitely, laying off about 200 workers in the process.
U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, said she believes the idling comes as a result of more companies heading overseas.
“This notice shows once again that our government’s approach to trade is hurting us,” she said in a statement. “One only needs to read the notice from Republic Steel to see that this idling is a result of foreign steel dumping and current market conditions — both a consequence of U.S. trade policies. Existing trade deals have done next to nothing to stop other countries, including China, from dumping cheap steel into the U.S. market below cost to drive American companies out of business. The result is 1,000 northern Ohio steelworkers are out of their jobs just in the last year.”
Republic Steel itself laid off 200 people in March and 125 people in July.
Patrick Gallagher, United Steelworkers sub-district director for District 1, also said he felt the idling of the plant and subsequent layoffs are as a result of poor trade policies.
“This is another case of the continuing assault on American workers and manufacturers by unfairly priced and subsidized steel imports that are currently flooding the domestic market,” he said in a statement. “Imports continue to rise while U.S. producers are forced to lay off workers, idle equipment and close plants.
“Our members and communities are suffering, and the USW has several trade cases pending to stop the devastation of our industry. The actions of these foreign producers are illegal, and we will continue to push the federal government for vigorous enforcement of our trade laws.”
The layoffs will slowly take place and by the end of March the idling will be complete.