2,444 face layoffs at steel plant

ArcelorMittal has notified the United Steelworkers and other stakeholders that as many as 2,444 employees at its Burns Harbor steel plant could be laid off indefinitely in January.

The recent decline in global steel production and the company’s previously announced plan to reduce production in North America by 40% played into the decision, the company said. “Potential workforce reductions are a direct result of the extraordinary economic environment we are facing, and the company hopes to return workers to their jobs as market conditions warrant,” ArcelorMittal said in a statement.

Jim Robinson, director of United Steelworkers District 7, said the union is negotiating with ArcelorMittal to minimize the number of layoffs.