US Steel To Idle Keetac Taconite Plant, Layoffs Possible

KEEWATIN, Minn. (AP) — Another 210 workers at the Keetac taconite plant could face layoffs as U.S. Steel plans another full idling of the facility.

The company has issued Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices about the idling and advised that layoffs could begin on or after Oct. 11.

U.S. Steel cited market conditions as one reason for the idling.

The Star Tribune reports the potential layoffs could last up to six months, adding to the 412 workers laid off when the plant was idled this summer.

The news comes as the United Steelworkers union and U.S. Steel are negotiating a new labor contract. The current contract expired Sept. 1, but employees are working under the old contract while bargaining continues.

The Iron Range has seen 1,100 temporary layoffs since March.

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