Govt acknowledges issues raised by NUMSA over ArcelorMittal's exit from local long-steel business
Numsa has been vocal in its opposition, arguing that ArcelorMittal's departure will have a devastating impact on workers, their families, and the economy.
- National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA)
- Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
- ArcelorMittal
An ArcelorMittal furnace at the company's factory in Vereeniging. Picture: GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - Government has acknowledged the issues raised by the metalworkers union, NUMSA, regarding ArcelorMittal's exit from the long steel business.
This decision by one of the largest steel producers has sparked widespread worry among workers and the broader steel industry.
NUMSA has been vocal in its opposition, arguing that ArcelorMittal's departure would have a devastating impact on workers, their families, and the economy.
Earlier this week, NUMSA staged a picket outside the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) offices in Johannesburg, protesting the looming retrenchments of an estimated 3,500 employees at ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA).
In January, the company announced it would shut down its long steel-making operations due to low demand for its products and a difficult business environment.
The union presented a memorandum of demands to IDC representatives to share with the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, as well as other stakeholders, in a bid to quickly mitigate the crisis.
A statement issued by the department said that the minister was awaiting the memorandum and once received, would consider the issues raised and respond accordingly.