It is reported that Cascade Steel Rolling Mills is about to embark on its fifth round of layoffs in a little more than a year.

Mr Jeff Dyck president of Cascade Steel confirmed that management at the mill, one of the largest employers in Yamhill County, notified the United Steelworkers that it plans to lay off an additional 17 union workers.

Mr Joe Munger, president of Local 8378, said that will bring the number of union workers who have been laid off since December 2008, and not called back, to 103. He added they lose their recall rights once a full year has passed.

Mr Munger said that 71 of Local 8378's members have already lost their right to return. He said five more face that fate in February and another nine in April.

The company has also eliminated several non union positions, including positions in management. As a result of the succession of layoffs, a workforce that once numbered 550 now is less than 400.

Mr Dyck said that "It was a tough thing to do. The mill can't ignore where the market continues to take us."

He said Cascade and its parent firm, Portland based Schnitzer Steel, have to be able to respond quickly and effectively whenever demand for steel rebounds. He said they are trying to position themselves that way.

(Sourced from www.newsregister.com)