Hundreds of workers have learned they will soon be without a job. Bayou Steel in LaPlace has announced its closing resulting in layoff notices for 376 employees. St John Parish President Natalie Robottom says the closure comes as a shock.
“We had conversations with representatives from Louisiana Economic Development whose job it is to follow up with companies in regards to retention and according to them, they had no idea either that this was coming,” said Robottom.
Robottom says the official date of closure is set for November 30th and the community is being proactive in finding job placement.
“Typically there is a 60-day timeline to help get together programs for employees that are going to be laid off,” said Robottom.
The Louisiana Workforce Commission says they’ve deployed a mobile unit at the local American Job Center Office in LaPlace to provide re-employment assistance to Bayou Steel workers.
Robottom says Bayou Steel has been operation since 1979.
“There are people who have been employed for more than 20 years who are affected. They’ve made their livelihood and their future is based on work there,” said Robottom.
No official word has been given on why Bayou Steel is shutting down, but Governor Edwards says a company like this is vulnerable to tariffs.
