Morgan AM&T says layoffs 'temporary'

Approximately 100 employees of Morgan AM&T have received layoff notices, for varying periods of time. Plant officials say they expect the condition to be temporary.

Coudersport plant employees, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said slow economic conditions have contributed to what is expected to be a shortlived - possibly just one week - layoff of 40 workers which began this week. All salaried employees have been asked to take a week off without pay, on a rotating basis.

Quality issues are the cause of a longer layoff expected to affect 53 workers for an indefinite period, projected at one to three months.

According to sources, armor vests manufactured by a company to whom Morgan AM&T supplies products are not meeting buyers' standards. The sources stressed that the quality problem does not lie with the local plant, but with the company which makes the vests.

"We're hoping that it's very shortlived so we can get these people back to work," Local 88612 IUECWA President Todd Lamer said. He added the company has been helpful in working to secure help for those on layoff.

Approval is pending on Morgan AM&T's application for benefits under the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act. The act provides expanded services to eligible individuals, including additional unemployment benefits and job training.

Lamer said all Coudersport plant employees, regardless of layoff status, will receive brochures on the program in the mail. He added that the Potter County CareerLink office has also provided assistance.

"We have good folks and they do good work, so I think we'll be okay. As I understand it, our folks didn't Lamer remarked.

Don Lott, operations director for the Coudersport and St. Marys plants, confirmed that current layoffs are expected to be "fundamentally temporary."

"We expect as business picks back up, they will be reversed," Lott said.

Approximately 30 employees are currently laid off at the St. Marys location.

Once a producer of carbon components for motor vehicles, household appliances and other manufacturers, Morgan AM&T has shifted production in recent years to include body and vehicle armor for U.S. and foreign government and private customers.

The Coudersport plant employs approximately 300 workers.