American Standard lays off dozens of local workers

SALEM — American Standard locally has laid off about 80 to 90 hourly workers.

Tracy Benson Kirker, a spokeswoman for the company, confirmed the cuts Wednesday. She said that she was working on a response to whether the cuts were permanent or short-term because of the sluggish economy.

The Salem plant went on strike last year, but members of the United Steel Workers went back to their jobs while an unfair labor practice complaint is resolved. The facility makes bathroom fixtures.