Steel & Granite

Shut down or not? Rumblings from a U.S. Steel mill in Illinois

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Roughly 800–900 jobs are guaranteed through 2027 under a national security agreement tied to the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel. Workers will be reassigned to maintenance roles, but union leaders warn of potential pay cuts due to changes in incentive structures. No layoffs have been announced yet, but there’s concern about job security beyond 2027.

The decision is part of a broader restructuring following Nippon Steel’s $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel. The deal includes a “golden share” provision allowing the U.S. government to veto closures or sales of domestic facilities until 2027—except for Granite City, which has shorter protections.

Local leaders and union officials are pressing for clarity and accountability, fearing long-term economic fallout for the region. This plant was once a symbol of American industrial revival. Now, it’s at a crossroads.