Steel Mills
Cliffs: The Vax Incentive Program Worked
Written by David Schollaert
August 24, 2021
Cleveland-Cliffs reported that its COVID vaccination incentive program worked. In July, the steelmaker launched a voluntary bonus program, in collaboration with its labor unions, to achieve a higher vaccine adoption rate across the business. The company says it reached a total vaccination rate of 75%, or nearly 19,000 employees out of its 25,000 workforce, by the Aug. 21 due date.
Under the program, Cliffs agreed to pay an employee at least $1,500 to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. An additional $1,500 would be paid out to locations that reached a 75% vaccination threshold. The 45-day program was initiated at a time when the company’s vaccination rate was 35%, or roughly 9,000 employees.
The company’s feat exceeds vaccination rates of the local communities where the facilities are located and is well ahead of the national vaccination rate.
“I am delighted with the success of our vaccine incentive program,” said Lourenco Goncalves, Cliffs chairman and CEO. “I appreciate the support of our local managers and union partners in making herd immunity a reality at the majority of our locations.” He added: “I implore both my steel producing peers and all other companies who have not already done so to implement similar programs in order to defeat this nasty virus in our country once and for all.”
Cliffs’ Indiana Harbor mill achieved a vaccination rate of 78%, while its Middletown Works and United Taconite both reached a 75% vaccination rate.
By David Schollaert, David@SteelMarketUpdate.com
David Schollaert
Read more from David SchollaertLatest in Steel Mills
Hybar lowers output forecast, owning up to EAF startup delay
Hybar LLC’s rebar mill in Osceola, Ark., is now melting scrap and will soon be fulfilling orders, according to CEO David Stickler, despite a six-to-eight-week delay caused by commissioning the world’s first Aura electrical system.
Steel Dynamics guides to more metal, more money in Q3
Steel Dynamics Inc. is bullish heading into the close of the third quarter, with all three of its operating segments tracking higher.
AHMSA opens doors to potential buyers as $1.3B asset auction nears
AHMSA is opening its doors to potential buyers to tour its steel plant and mining operations in northern Mexico in preparation for the next stage of its bankruptcy process: the auction of its assets.
USW seeks clarity on USS plans for Granite City Works
The United Steelworkers union has asked U.S. Steel to elaborate on its Granite City Works plans following reports that the steelmaker is ending processing at the facility.
Nucor maintains plate prices, opens October order book
Nucor aims to keep plate prices flat for a seventh straight month with the opening of its October order book.