Nearly 500 layoffs coming sooner than expected for Evraz tubular division

Extensive layoffs will be coming sooner than previously thought for employees in the tubular division at Regina’s Evraz steel mill.

In late November it was announced that layoffs were coming eventually, but the bulk of the job loss was expected to happen in mid-January. In a change of events, nearly 500 workers have now been notified they will be out of work by Dec. 17.

Patrick Waldron, director of communications and industry affairs with Evraz, says 2020 has made for very difficult economic conditions.

“Overall, it has been a challenging 2020 for our oil- and gas-related products, given the current economic conditions and the status of the Canadian energy industry,” Waldron said in an email to 980 CJME. “These staffing adjustments that began in November and are continuing through December are matching the size of our workforce with the demand for production of certain tubular products.

“As large pipe projects are completed and work runs out, the layoffs take place. This outlook and the difficult decisions it has forced have been shared with Regina union leadership and team members.”

Other portions of Evraz Regina, including steelmaking, are operating and will continue to make steel for coil, slab and other pipe products.