Rep. Galonski releases statement concerning B&W layoffs
State Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today responded to Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Inc. announcing the layoff of 51 workers in Barberton and Copley on Thursday.
B&W primarily makes and services coal-fired boilers and pollution control equipment for power plants. With more power plants fueled by natural gas over coal, B&W has struggled to overcome the competition. The job cuts were a result of efforts to align costs with revenue.
“Unfortunately, fracking has caused serious harm to our natural resources and now our industry,” said Galonski. “Coming from a blue collared family, I sympathize with the employees who have been laid off. We need to modernize our industry in a way that does not negatively impact labor.”
Galonski represents Ohio’s 35th district, which is comprised of parts of Akron and Barberton.