DUNDEE – State Representatives Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) and Kate Ebli (D-Monroe) continued their unwavering commitment to stand up for working families today as they called a meeting of state officials and representatives of Dundee-based Holcim Inc. Last week, Holcim announced that it would close its doors for good over the next few months, citing the lack of demand for cement. Holcim has operated its plant in Dundee since 1960. If the plant closes, 163 employees would lose their jobs.
"This is a prime example of why we need to create more good-paying jobs now for our workers," Angerer said. "A job loss of this size will be devastating to our community here in Dundee. For the well-being of our communities, our workers and our families, it is vital that we keep working to attract new companies in emerging fields to Michigan and protect and create jobs for our workers."
Angerer and Ebli held a meeting between representatives from Holcim, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG), and the Governor's office to be sure the concerns of workers are being heard.
Angerer and Ebli showed their commitment to Michigan workers over the past year by passing the Hire Michigan First plan and expanding the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) program. The Hire Michigan First plan rewards companies that hire Michigan workers – not those who outsource jobs or hire illegal immigrants. Through NWLB, residents who have lost their job to outsourcing and downsizing can attend a community college or university tuition-free for two years in order to train for good-paying jobs available now.
"Outsourcing and downsizing have hit our working families hard here in Michigan, and we can't afford to lose more jobs," Ebli said. "Our workers have the technical skills and hard work ethic that employers need to be successful. By preparing our workers for high-demand jobs, we can create the workforce Michigan needs to become a magnet for new and emerging businesses, create more good-paying jobs for our workers and get our economy back on track."