Century Aluminum Workers Pushing for Electric Bill Passage
By: Michael Pickett
Updated: February 24, 2013
Century Aluminum workers are asking Kentucky lawmakers to pass a bill that will help keep the Hawesville smelter open.
Two bills in the House and Senate are being debated in Frankfort. If approved, the bills would allow some aluminum smelters to buy electricity in the open market, which supporters say would be cheaper. Several smelter workers appeared at a legislative breakfast in Owensboro this morning to hear what lawmakers had to say on the issue. Some workers say if the bill doesn't pass this session, the plant will close and damage the local economy.
"I'm very concerned for myself and for our employees," says Dave Whitmore, who has worked at the Hawesville facility for ten years. "If we don't get this done, we could be facing some tough times."
Century Aluminum issued a 12-month notice to Big Rivers last August, ending their electric contract.
Two bills in the House and Senate are being debated in Frankfort. If approved, the bills would allow some aluminum smelters to buy electricity in the open market, which supporters say would be cheaper. Several smelter workers appeared at a legislative breakfast in Owensboro this morning to hear what lawmakers had to say on the issue. Some workers say if the bill doesn't pass this session, the plant will close and damage the local economy.
"I'm very concerned for myself and for our employees," says Dave Whitmore, who has worked at the Hawesville facility for ten years. "If we don't get this done, we could be facing some tough times."
Century Aluminum issued a 12-month notice to Big Rivers last August, ending their electric contract.
