Kaptur, Lorain Leaders Condemn U.S. Trade Policy as Republic Steel Layoffs Confirmed
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Chase Ritenauer, Mayor of Lorain, Ohio and Patrick Gallagher, United Steelworkers Sub-District Director for District 1, issued statements today following the release of Republic Steel’s official notice that it plans to idle its Bar and Rolling Mills facility in Lorain, Ohio starting in March. Another 200 employees at the facility are expected to lose their jobs as a result, just the latest round of jobs eliminated at the facility. Last March, Republic Steel announced its plans to lay off 200 of its hourly and salaried employees.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur:
“This notice shows once again that our government’s approach to trade is hurting us. 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.
“Even more frustrating, these trade deals could leverage our position as a global economic power to force our trading partners to open their markets and drive up demand for American products, allowing our bedrock industries to thrive. It breaks my heart that our government has instead allowed these industries to be choked off for decades, outsourcing countless jobs and breaking the backs of communities in northern Ohio and across America. American steelworkers helped build the greatest economy in the history of the world. My Balancing Trade bill would put us in a position to renegotiate America’s worst performing trade deals so they reward the skill and competitiveness of those workers instead of driving them out of jobs in a global race to the bottom.”
Mayor Chase Ritenauer:
“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. 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.”
Patrick Gallagher, United Steelworkers:
“United Steelworkers District 1 and USW Locals 1104 and 2354 that represent the members employed at Republic Steel's Lorain Plant were issued a WARN Notice for the Company's Bar and Rolling Mills. The Union is preparing an information request and is working on a Lay-off Minimization Plan for the employees affected by Republic's decision.
“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. 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.”
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