PITTSBURGH, Nov. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement today after the announcement from New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer that Alcoa's aluminum plants in Massena, N.Y., would remain open, averting the possible loss of 600 jobs. Alcoa had planned to idle one plant and close another, but an incentive plan that includes funds from the state's economic development arm and aid from the New York Power Authority helped stave off the closure.
"American manufacturing in general, and the aluminum industry in particular, are facing a growing crisis brought on by illegal trading practices, most notably by China," said USW International President Leo W. Gerard. "Fighting for good-paying, family-supporting jobs like those at Alcoa is an easy decision to make during good times. It takes courage to keep up the fight during times like this. That is why Gov. Cuomo and Sen. Schumer should be commended for all that they have done to stand up for American manufacturing and for American workers."
"This kind of cooperation and teamwork between the public and private sector is exactly the kind of leadership that the people of New York, and all Americans, need right now," said USW District 4 Director John Shinn. "I believe we all agree on the need for good jobs. This announcement is proof that when we are all truly working together toward that goal, great things can happen."
USW District 4 represents tens of thousands of union members in New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont and Puerto Rico. The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, representing workers in a range of industries including metals, mining, rubber, paper and forestry, oil refining, health care, security, hotels, and municipal governments and agencies.
CONTACT: R.J. Hufnagel: 412-562-2450, [email protected]
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SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)
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