The Jackson Citizen Patriot is reporting that Jackson-based Mac Steel will lay off 300 of its 380 employees effective January 16. The announcement was made Monday, the first day of a seasonal two-week layoff for employees.
 
From the Cit Pat:

Mac Steel spokesman Santiago Fittipaldi said the layoffs are not permanent, but the company has given no indication when workers will return. Jim Scriven, vice president of human resources, said the decision was “prompted by market forces beyond our control.”

And United Steel Workers Local 8339 President Charles Crowley told the Cit Pat workers were panicking over the announcement:

“The union guys don’t know anything. I’m getting calls,” Crowley said. “It’s turning into widespread panic. It’s the only way one can describe it.”

Employees will returned from their holiday layoff on Jan. 5, only to hit the unemployment lines on Jan. 16.