US Steel to lay off employees in Michigan

United States Steel Corp. (U.S. Steel), headquartered in Pittsburgh, has filed a letter with the Michigan Workforce Development Agency notifying of layoffs resulting from its temporary idling of its B2 blast furnace operations and other adjustments at its Great Lakes Works facility in Ecorse, Michigan.   

“These adjustments are due to current market conditions and recent reductions in customer demand for the plant’s products,” the company writes.

The company says the layoffs will affect all operating units, divisions and departments at the facility.

Twenty-seven “part-time” employees were laid off July 21, with an additional 21 employees having been laid off Aug. 4, the letter notes.

U.S. Steel writes that additional layoffs likely will begin Sept. 30 and may continue periodically afterward based on market conditions.

“The layoffs are currently expected to be temporary, not permanent, but notice is being given at this time because the layoffs may exceed six months’ duration,” the letter states.

U.S. Steel says it anticipates less than 200 employees will be affected by the layoffs.