Layoffs begin at Granite City steelworks

By ELIZABETH DONALD
Illinois Correspondent

Granite City, IL – Layoffs have begun for workers at U.S. Steel in Granite City.

U.S. Steel announced a few weeks ago that it would “temporarily” close the last blast furnace operating at the Granite City steel mill, which met with condemnation from local leaders and union representatives as well as elected officials. U.S. Steel placed the blame for idling the furnace on anticipated drops in orders due to the UAW strike actions, which many Labor leaders said was a move intended to divide the unions against each other.

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
United Steelworkers Local 1899 will conduct informational meetings on Tuesday, Oct. 3, beginning at 9 a.m. for workers whose last name begins with A-E; 11 a.m. for F-N; and 1:30 p.m. for O-Z.

Representatives from the Illinois Department of Employment and Security and Labor leaders will be on hand to answer questions about the layoff minimization plan agreement; the new process for applying for Illinois state unemployment benefits; the application for USS supplemental unemployment benefits; and continuation of health and life insurance benefits.

“We strongly encourage you to attend this meeting, as there are changes regarding applying for unemployment benefits,” wrote local president Dan Simmons in a memo to members. “Due to numerous false (unemployment) claims filed during COVID, IDES reps will also verify you have no blocks which could delay your application process and prevent members from receiving payment in a timely manner.”

SIX-MONTH CLOSURE
U.S. Steel has said the closure might be less than six months, according to the Belleville News-Democrat. In the meantime, U.S. Steel is continuing to pursue the sale process with Cleveland-Cliffs, which is the only bidder to purchase the steel company that has the backing of United Steelworkers.

“Cliffs is committed to the blast furnace segment of the steel market and U.S. Steel is not,” USW international president Thomas Conway told Reuters. “I think they are committed to the steel industry and success.”

Workers should bring a driver’s license and Social Security card or equivalent ID with a full Social Security number to the informational meeting in order to get assistance.