Sen. Franken: Mining Layoffs Fueled By ‘Unfair Dumping’

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Minnesota Sen. Al Franken is calling for tougher penalties on foreign countries who he says are forcing Iron Range miners to be laid off.

Franken said the recent announcement to idle United Taconite and 400 workers is an example of places like unfairly dumping foreign steel in the U.S. at a cheaper rate.

But at the same time, Franken says Washington is finally listening about the issue because of the tough mining issues on the Iron Range.

“When I talked to the CEO of Cliffs, he felt like this was a good sign that even though it’s taking this long, that this action will help slow the import of dump steel,” Franken said.

Congressman Rick Nolan and Governor Mark Dayton will meet Friday morning in Eveleth to talk with the United Taconite workers who are about to be laid off.