RAVENSWOOD ALUMINUM MAY HAVE LAYOFFS - Increased Health Costs Blamed

(07/17/2002)

The Ravenswood aluminum plant may be next in line for job losses in the region. A company official has said Pechiney Rolled Products Ltd., the biggest employer in Jackson County, over 1000, may do layoffs after company profits took a downturn. The company blamed increased medical costs for current and retired employees, causing profits to dip. Todd Ritchie, plant manager, did not use the word 'layoffs', but that is what it amounts to. Several workers from Calhoun and surrounding counties work at the facility. The United Steelworkers union denied layoffs are coming, calling them rumors. The union is currently bargaining over wages and benefits. At least 5000 jobs have left the region in the past year, and more are expected, mostly related to companies going abroad.

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