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Gov. Cuomo, Sen. Schumer say they are working to save nearly 500 jobs at Alcoa in Massena

Posted 11/6/15

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senator Sen. Charles E. Schumer say they are working together to keep Alcoa open in Massena following the company’s plans to cut 487 jobs and not go ahead with its …

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Gov. Cuomo, Sen. Schumer say they are working to save nearly 500 jobs at Alcoa in Massena

Posted

Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senator Sen. Charles E. Schumer say they are working together to keep Alcoa open in Massena following the company’s plans to cut 487 jobs and not go ahead with its modernization plan of the plant.

“At my direction, senior administration officials are actively working with Alcoa and Senator Schumer to continue the company’s operation in Massena and the hundreds of jobs it supports,” Cuomo said.

“From the minute we learned about these devastating cuts I immediately pressed upon Alcoa CEO Klaus Kleinfeld to reverse course and save these jobs. The governor and I are doing everything possible to find a solution that keeps the facility open and protects the extremely productive workers who work there now. We are not giving up the fight, and we are doing everything in our power to change their minds, change their plans, and protect and restore these existing jobs,” Schumer said.

On Monday evening, Alcoa announced it would cease smelting at all U.S. plants, including Massena, where 487 people will lose their jobs. The casthouses, forgings and extrusions facilities at Massena's west plant will remain open, according to the company.

“This plant is a vital part of the local community, and we are doing everything possible to identify an alternative scenario that both allows the facility to remain open and protects the taxpayer investments that have already been made," said Gov. Cuomo.

"My thoughts are with every New Yorker who could potentially be impacted by Alcoa’s actions – and I want them to know that we are doing everything possible to retain these jobs.”

Alcoa had struck a deal with the state to get cut-rate New York Power Authority electricity in exchange for maintaining jobs in Massena.

“This facility is the heart and soul of the North Country, and I am working with Governor Cuomo and Alcoa to save these jobs in Massena,” Schumer said.

According to a March 2014 news release from the governor's office, the company pledged to maintain 750 jobs at the west plant and provide training for the east plant's future workforce, once the modernized Alcoa East pot line in installed. The existing pot line will be decommissioned and torn down.

In summer 2013, Gov. Cuomo was quoted as saying 1,000 jobs would be guaranteed.

The release added that the New York Power Authority will reduce the amount of power they supply to Alcoa and waive two utility charges on Alcoa's monthly bills until the new line is operational.

Once the curtailment announced Monday is complete, it will mean they have eliminated 45 percent of their total smelting capacity since 2007.

 For more coverage of Alcoa's plan to eliminate nearly 500 jobs see story about state, local lawmakers and union chief who met in Massena Thursday to discuss Alcoa closures.

To read more on Massena dropping its plan to spend $1.2 million on sewer, culvert project in wake of Alcoa announcement click here.

A story about Massena Mayor Currier creating a coalition aimed at improving the economy in wake of Alcoa's announcement to cut 487 jobs can be read here.