Hoffman and Stuart React to Granite City Works WARN Act Notice

GRANITE CITY, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, expressed support for local workers after news broke Tuesday that U.S. Steel plans to lay off a significant portion of the workforce at Granite City Works.

“We’re disappointed by U.S. Steel’s shortsighted decision to abandon hundreds of highly-skilled workers,” Hoffman said. “The people of this community have given a lot over the years in support of this plant, and our significant local resources, infrastructure and workforce should be encouraging further investment – not abandonment. A lot of families are going to be hurt by this. Moving forward, we’re engaging United Steelworkers Local 1899 and we’re going to do what we can to help in this difficult moment.”

“It’s unfortunate that workers and their families are being cast aside this way, and this underscores how we need to continue to stand together in building a strong community and economy. We’ll weather this difficult time just as we always have,” Stuart said. “I look forward to doing what it takes to welcome businesses that believe in fair play and value people. In the meantime, I’m standing by to assist affected workers in any way that I can, including by prioritizing career training and other resources.”

Around 1,000 plant workers received a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice from U.S. Steel. Reportedly 60% of those notified may lose their job, with layoffs taking effect in late January.

For more information, please contact RepJayHoffman@gmail.com or RepKatieStuart@gmail.com.