95 Salaried Jobs Affect by Changes at Cliffs Natural Resources

Cliffs Natural Resources Makes Cuts at Plants in Minnesota & Michigan

Ninety-five salaried positions are being affected by cost saving measures at Cliffs Natural Resources plants in Michigan and Minnesota.

According to Pat Persico, a global communications spokesperson at Cliffs, the 95 positions are effected either due to cuts, retirements or having roles re-assigned.

Persico says the measures are being taken as a way to reduce costs and that it would be speculative to say whether more changes would be coming.

The layoffs are the latest development in a downturn of the American Steel Industry that has hit hard on the Iron Range.

U.S. Steel recently announced it was cutting about 1,500 jobs at its Minntac plant in Mt. Iron, and the Keetac facility in Keewatin.

Union officials say the latest cuts do not involve any members.

Representative Carly Melin (DFL-Hibbing) and Representative Jason Metsa (DFL-Virginia) released the following statement Monday regarding the announcement:

“Once again, family and friends on the Range are facing economic hardship and an uncertain future.” said Rep. Melin.

“Unfortunately, this is becoming familiar news. We will do everything we can to make sure the state of Minnesota is supportive of our families on the Range and that they get the benefits they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Metsa.

Both Representatives Melin and Metsa encourage constituents to contact them directly with any questions they may have.

Workers seeking unemployment benefits can apply online at www.iumn.org or by calling 651-259-7223.

Workers can also find additional details on local workforce development trainings at http://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/workforce-centers/workshops/#/?i=43 .