Evraz steel mill in Regina hit with 500 layoffs; union cites decrease in demand

Photo: The Canadian Press

A union representing workers at a steel plant in Regina says nearly 500 of its members are being laid off.

The United Steelworkers says the workers will be off the job starting Dec. 17 and their layoff notices are indefinite.

The president of union Local 5890 says it's tough because people will be out of work just over a week before Christmas and in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mike Day says the union knew layoffs were coming, but didn't expect them to hit all at once.

The union says Canada's steel industry is struggling because projects are being built with cheaper steel obtained offshore rather than product manufactured locally.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe calls the layoffs devastating and says officials are reaching out to offer whatever help they can.