170 employees laid off at Evraz steel mill in Regina; further cuts expected
170 employees laid off at Evraz steel mill in Regina; further cuts expected
Evraz has laid off 170 employees at the steel mill in Regina since the beginning of May after choosing to idle its large diameter pipe production in the city, according to a statement from the company.
The company expects to lay off another 50 to 75 workers in the coming months after crews complete their current project.
“Although our overall business is strong, including demand for our other steel products in Regina, the large diameter pipe market has been soft,” Michael Yeats, Evraz Canada senior vice-president, said in a statement.
Yeats said the large diameter pipe business is “highly cyclical,” and as a result, the company is focusing on products that support clean energy infrastructure such as hydrogen and carbon capture projects.
“We are hopeful new markets will offer a more consistent landscape for our (large diameter) pipe fabrication operations and the jobs it supports,” Yeats said.
Evraz has offered employment opportunities in Calgary to the workers who were laid off in Regina. Prior to the layoffs, the company also gave workers in the tubular division the option to transfer to steel operations within the Regina mill.
The company has extended employee benefits to the laid-off workers and their families for up to six months as part of its collective bargaining agreement.
“We’re doing the best we can to take care of (the workers) in a very unfortunate situation,” said Annie Stefanec, director of communications for Evraz North America.
Yeats said it is hard to predict when the market will rebound. However, he anticipates demand for large diameter pipe projects will increase in the next year or two.
CTV News reached out to the steelworkers union, but no one was available for comment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'turning point' in world history: defence chief
Canada's chief of defence says Russia's invasion of Ukraine is going to change the course of history.

Climate goals may be at odds with G7 response to fallout from Russian invasion
G7 leaders opened their summit Sunday with a discussion about shaping the global economy at a time when conflict and unrest are driving up prices and access to key goods around the world.
Russia strikes Kyiv as troops consolidate gains in the east
Russia attacked the Ukrainian capital early Sunday, striking at least two residential buildings, the mayor of Kyiv said, as elsewhere Russian troops fought to consolidate their gains in the country's east.
Live updates: U.S. sees 'profound impact' in Russia sanctions
The latest on the G7 summit: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Western sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine are having 'a profound impact.'
Rate of extreme rainfall expected to increase dramatically by 2100
New research looking at the frequency of heavy rainfall across the globe shows that a drastic increase in downpours is expected over the years to come.
People with COVID-19 can infect and sicken cats and dogs by cuddling them: study
Cat and dog owners who cuddle their pets when infected with COVID-19 could end up making the animals sick with the virus, according to a Canadian study.
Quebec homeowners say Ottawa must address decades of erosion caused by ship traffic
The higher parts of Angelique Beauchemin's land, she said, are sinking an inch or two a year as they slope ever more steeply toward the river. While she's not a scientist, she says her biggest fear is that one day there will be a landslide and the white house at the top of the hill where she's lived for decades will tumble down.
Protesters at U.S. Supreme Court decry abortion ruling overturning Roe v. Wade
Hundreds of protesters descended on the U.S. Supreme Court on Saturday to denounce the justice's decision to overturn the half-century-old Roe v. Wade precedent that recognized women's constitutional right to abortion.
Public safety minister eyes steps to strengthen oversight of the RCMP
The federal public safety minister says he is 'deeply committed' to enhancing oversight of the RCMP by strengthening the role of the national police force's management advisory board.