Downsizing deals -Workers back on the job at Gerdau MacSteel

Thursday, 22 Oct 2009

It is reported that another shift of workers is back on the job at Gerdau MacSteel as the steelmaker ramps up production after a massive layoff in January.

Mr Mark Marcucci president of MacSteel credits the wild success of the federal government's Cash for Clunkers program this summer for his ability to call more workers back.

The popular USD 2.9 billion government program that offered USD 3,500 or USD 4,500 incentives for new car buyers willing to trade in their low mileage vehicles prompted the mill to bring back about 65 workers last month. The program led to the purchase of about 700,000 vehicles this summer across the country, leaving inventories depleted.

Mr Marcucci said that "Our automotive business has recovered pretty strong."

Meanwhile, Mr Charles Crowley president of United Steel Workers Local 8339 said 161 of the 210 union members are back at work. It's a welcome change of events. Four months ago, the company made known its plans to winterize the plant, and union members prepared for the layoff to extend into next year.