'Really hitting home': Kingston aluminum plant issues layoffs, blaming U.S. tariffs

'Really hitting home': Kingston aluminum plant issues layoffs, blaming U.S. tariffs

'Difficult to say what might happen' to plant in the future, says spokesperson

Roughly 80 workers at a plant in Kingston, Ont. are losing their jobs or being laid off, with the company citing the cost of U.S. tariffs on aluminum.

Novelis said it's reducing its number of salaried staff by 10 and temporarily laying off approximately 70 hourly employees.

The decision affects roughly one third of the facility’s workforce, according to a statement the company sent by email Friday afternoon. "These are difficult decisions that affect our colleagues and their families, and we are supporting those impacted through this transition."

Novelis pointed squarely at the section 232 duties the U.S. has placed on aluminum imported from Canada.

Trump's latest round of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods now in effect

A new round of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods took effect on Sept. 15. Aluminum is among the items facing a 50 per cent levy.

"There's no ifs ands or buts. This reduction of workforce ... is a direct impact of those tariff numbers being applied," said Kevon Stewart, director for Ontario and Atlantic Canada for the United Steelworkers (USW).

"We're not the enemy. We've never been the enemy, and it's been clear for decades. Our economy is basically interconnected, and it's worked."

Stewart said the union will do whatever it can to make sure staff at the plant can get back to work as quickly as possible, but added the trade war doesn't appear to be going anywhere, so it's time for the Canadian government to come up with a concrete plan to protect workers.

"We've done a lot of talking about putting Band-Aids on certain certain industries and certain solutions, but I think the Band-Aids need to be removed and we need to have a permanent strategy in place," he said. "This is going to happen more often than not before we get to a stabilization point."

Fiona Bell, head of communications for Novelis North America, said it's unclear what will become of the Kingston site.

"In terms of the plant’s future, it is difficult to say what might happen in the long term," she wrote in an email. "Remaining operational provides us with an option to preserve capability should the circumstances change in a meaningful way."

Dan Wood, president of USW Local 343, which represents production employees at the plant, said it was a "sad day for Novelis and a sad day for Kingston."

A brief profile of the Kingston location on the company's website states it produces specialty products for marine, transportation and industrial purposes.

Councillor says tariffs 'hitting home'

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson described the layoffs as "difficult news" for the community, adding his thoughts are with the employees and families affected.

"This is a challenging time for businesses and workers, particularly as companies navigate the uncertainty and pressures created by tariffs and changing economic conditions," he wrote in a post on Facebook. "Our focus now must be on supporting those impacted through this transition."

Paterson wrote his goal is to make sure workers have the support they need to stay in Kingston by connecting them with employment opportunities and training.

Kingscourt-Rideau Councillor Brandon Tozzo, whose district includes the plant, also issued a statement, calling the layoffs a reminder the city needs to build a strong, varied economy during "these difficult times."

"It's sad to see the tariffs from the United States are taking their toll locally," he wrote. "It's really hitting home."

Dan Taekema is a video journalist for CBC Ottawa. He previously covered Kingston, Ont. and the surrounding area as a solo-bureau reporter. He’s also worked in newsrooms in Chatham, Windsor, Hamilton and Toronto. You can reach him by emailing daniel.taekema@cbc.ca.