By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – U.S. Steel is laying off about 50 workers from its Fairfield Works plant near Birmingham.
The job losses are part of a nationwide cutback for the Pittsburgh-based company, which is eliminating 500 jobs overall.
U.S. Steel spokesman John Armstrong said officials began notifying employees about the layoffs on Wednesday and Thursday.
Armstrong blamed the move on the economic slowdown. He said the slowdown has caused a reduction in the demand for steel products. He said the company hopes to rehire laid-off employees when business picks up.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)