Numsa Urges Government Action To Prevent Arcelormittal Job Losses

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa NUMSA has called on the government to hold public engagements with stakeholders to address potential job losses at ArcelorMittal.

This follows the company's announcement of its decision to wind down its steelmaking operations , putting an estimated 3 500 jobs at risk.

ArcelorMittal cites prolonged weak economic conditions, structural challenges, and uncompetitive market conditions as reasons for its decision.

NUMSA National Spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola emphasises the need for broader stakeholder involvement in finding a solution.

"Government must engage and involve NUMSA or involve all the unions that are organisers at ArcelorMittal. It must also ensure that it involves the auto sector and the components value chain. Because any closure of any aspect of ArcelorMittals business is going to have an impact not just on the downstream sector but also on the auto sector and components value chain. We need an overall solution that involves all of those stakeholders that are going to be affected if this business is to close," says Hlubi-Majola.