In the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range, where generations of families have toiled in the mining industry, Jon Bird’s story is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by the workforce in this region. Until mid-March, Bird was immersed in the grind of 12-hour shifts, four days a week, operating colossal iron ore crushers and managing the relentless demands of his job. For Bird, who is just 33 years old, this work is not merely a profession; it is a legacy. His lineage is steeped in mining, tracing back through his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, all of whom have labored in the very pits he now calls his workplace.
The iron ore mined in this area plays a crucial role in feeding the domestic steel supply chain. After extraction, the ore undergoes a rigorous process of crushing, shipping, and smelting in blast furnaces. Ultimately, it is transformed into steel that finds its way into various products, from kitchen appliances to automobiles. However, as the economic landscape shifted dramatically in 2024, demand for these metal-filled commodities plummeted, sending reverberations through the industry.
The steel manufacturer Cleveland-Cliffs, which oversees Bird’s mine, reported staggering losses of $483 million in the first quarter of 2025. This financial downturn raised immediate concerns about job security for the workforce, including Bird and his colleagues. The news of impending layoffs struck with brutal suddenness; Bird first learned of his job loss not through his employer, but via a local news broadcast while spending time with his children. “It’s a hell of a way to find out you’re losing your job,” he reflected, capturing the disillusionment many feel towards corporate America. The layoffs affected around 1,200 Cleveland-Cliffs employees, with 600 of those positions based in Minnesota alone.
In the midst of this turmoil, an unexpected alliance has emerged between Cleveland-Cliffs and workers like Bird. Both parties find common ground in their support for President Trump’s tariffs, which impose a 25 percent tax on steel and aluminum imports, as well as on imported cars. This policy was initially designed to shield domestic steel manufacturers from foreign competition, aiming to bolster the industry and protect American jobs. However, the effectiveness of these tariffs is now under scrutiny as companies like Cleveland-Cliffs struggle to remain viable in an evolving global marketplace.
The economic challenges faced by Bird and his fellow workers raise pertinent questions about the future of the steel industry in the United States. Recent studies indicate that while tariffs can provide temporary relief, they can also lead to increased prices for consumers and reduced competitiveness in the long term. Experts warn that without a robust strategy for innovation and adaptation, the steel industry may continue to face setbacks as it grapples with global economic dynamics.
As Bird navigates this uncertain terrain, he exemplifies the resilience of workers in a sector that has long been the backbone of American manufacturing. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind the headlines of corporate losses and policy decisions. As the industry evolves, the voices of workers like Jon Bird will be paramount in shaping the future of mining and steel production in America. The challenges they face are not just economic; they are deeply personal, rooted in heritage and the hope for a stable future for the next generation.
