http://miva.sctimes.com/miva/cgi-bin/miva?CMN/Local/read.mv+20041203043706+1+Electrolux Home Products of St. Cloud is eliminating more than 13 percent of its production jobs as it shifts some freezer manufacturing to China and adjusts to overall demand.
By Dec. 17, the factory will lay off 229 workers, primarily from one third-shift production line. Contract language allows them to be rehired as other jobs become available.
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Neuman blamed the layoffs on international trade agreements and urged consumers to flood the White House and Capitol Hill with letters of protest.
Health-care costs also need attention if U.S. manufacturers are to stay competitive, he said. Electrolux pays 80 percent of the $11,520 annual premium for each family coverage policy, he said.
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Neuman said he was "very concerned" that the freezer plant could go the route of an Electrolux refrigerator plant in Michigan, which is closing as jobs move to Mexico.
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