State Representative Cal Warwas statement on the Cleveland-Cliffs layoff announcement
Saint Paul, MN – Representative Cal Warwas (R-Clinton Township) released the folowing statement regarding the announcement of the Cleveland-Cliffs layoffs.
“Along with everyone else on the Range, I am absolutely devastated at the news that 600 of my brothers and sisters in the mining industry are facing layoffs. I have been in contact with the District 11 Steelworkers Union and Cliffs this morning to discuss the situation.
I’m being told by Cliffs that the workers will be paid in full until after the 60 day WARN notification expires, at which time they can begin to lean-in to unemployment and possible sub-pay benefits, which will be crucial to sustaining their families during this time of uncertainty. In the event of a longer-term layoff, Rangers need to know that we in the Iron Range Delegation are already working on a bill for extended unemployment to keep our skilled workforce on the Range.
I will continue to do everything in my power to mitigate the pain of this situation and work toward any solution that gets people back to work. The effects of this notice are far reaching, and we recognize that our skilled trade contract workers, vendors and their families will also share in this devastation.
Finally, it is distressing to me that some people were more interested in breaking this awful news on social media and other news outlets before my Ranger family was even contacted by their respective company or union outlets. We need to care more about our people and less about who’s first in the new cycle.”
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