AK Steel will be halting production at its Rockport Works plant next week. UAW Local 3044 said that AK Steel told them that 145 hourly workers would not be coming to work starting April 6th 21009.

According to the union, AK Steel told them workers would hopefully return to work the following week.

UAW Local 3044 said that there have been one week idle times in the past. They said there was at least one week in November through February where production was idle.

The union reported March was somewhat more stable, but April looks like the worst month for idle production since the economic downturn began.

According to union officials, AK Steel has become a make to order facility and most union employees are not aware until every Thursday if they will be working the following week. The union said they agreed in November to reduce hours and change schedules in hopes of keeping jobs. They said the reductions equal 10% to 15% cut in wages.

(Sourced from www.topix.com)