Layoffs Hit Kingston Aluminum Plant Due to U.S. Tariffs

About 80 workers at a plant in Kingston, Ont. are losing their jobs or being temporarily laid off, as the company blames the costs from U. S. tariffs on aluminum.

Novelis announced it’s cutting its salaried staff by 10 and temporarily laying off around 70 hourly workers.

This decision impacts roughly one third of the workforce at the facility, according to an email statement from the company sent Friday afternoon. “These are difficult decisions that affect our colleagues and their families, and we are supporting those impacted through this transition.”

Novelis pointed directly to the section 232 duties imposed by the U. S. on aluminum imports from Canada.

A new wave of U. S. tariffs on Canadian products began on Sept. 15, with aluminum facing a hefty 50 percent 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 mentioned that the union will do everything possible to help staff at the plant return to work quickly but added that it seems like the trade conflict won’t be resolved anytime soon, so it’s time for the Canadian government to develop a solid plan to safeguard workers.

“We’ve done a lot of talking about putting Band-Aids on 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.”

‘A sad day’

Fiona Bell, head of communications for Novelis North America, stated that it’s hard to predict what will happen with the Kingston site moving forward.

“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, expressed that it was a “sad day for Novelis and a sad day for Kingston.”

A brief profile of Kingston’s location on Novelis’ website mentions it produces specialty products for marine, transportation and industrial uses.

Councillor says tariffs ‘hitting home’

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson called these layoffs “difficult news” for everyone involved while sharing his concerns for affected employees and their families.

“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 Facebook post. “Our focus now must be on supporting those impacted through this transition.”

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson is shown outside city hall. (Dan Taekema/CBC)

Paterson mentioned his aim is ensuring workers get necessary support so they can stay in Kingston by connecting them with job opportunities and training.

Kingscourt-Rideau Councillor Brandon Tozzo whose district includes this plant also released a statement calling these layoffs a reminder that Kingston needs to create a strong diverse economy during “these difficult times.”

“It’s sad to see that tariffs fromthe United States are taking their toll locally,” he wrote. “It’s really hitting home.”

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