Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – European trade unions, especially in Ghent, Belgium, criticise ArcelorMittal’s €100M/year “Zenith” cost-cutting plan for lacking transparency, risking 190 Belgian jobs, and bypassing proper consultation, says ACV’s Peter Verniers.
As VRT News reported, European trade unions are criticising ArcelorMittal for its handling of cost-cutting measures at its European plants, including the one in Ghent, Belgium. The unions claim that the company has not been transparent and hasn’t properly consulted with employee representatives.
They say ArcelorMittal failed to share important information about the cost-saving plans, such as how many jobs might be affected, or how workloads and working conditions could change. This lack of clear information has led to confusion and mistrust among the workers.
The unions also argue that the company’s consultation process has been poorly managed. Several works councils reportedly received information too late, or not at all, to provide timely feedback. This, the unions say, undermines the role of employee representation in the company’s decision-making process.
What is behind ArcelorMittal’s €100M plan impacting Ghent jobs?
The unions are also worried because ArcelorMittal isn’t communicating the same way with all its European sites. Some sites have some information, while others have none, making workers anxious. The unions believe decisions are being made without their input.
With potential job losses and changes to work, the unions want ArcelorMittal to stop the cost-cutting plans until they can properly consult with employees. They want the company to follow European labour laws and act responsibly. The unions want to talk at a European level to make sure any changes are fair, open, and involve the workers.
European trade unions, especially in Belgium, are expressing serious concerns about ArcelorMittal’s “Zenith” project. This is part of the company’s plan to save money. The unions think this project will move important jobs to countries where workers are paid less. They say that ArcelorMittal wants to move some IT jobs from Ghent to Poland and India.
The unions believe about 190 jobs in Belgium could be affected by this. They see this as a threat to jobs and a sign that ArcelorMittal is reducing its work in Western Europe. The unions think this is a bad idea and could damage the company’s future in Europe.
Peter Verniers, from the ACV trade union, is not happy with how ArcelorMittal is handling the Zenith project. He says the company doesn’t have a clear plan and is moving too fast. Verniers believes that instead of sending jobs away, ArcelorMittal should try new technologies like computers and robots to save money and keep jobs in Belgium.
He also questions the company’s numbers. ArcelorMittal says the project will save €100 million each year, but hasn’t shown any proof. The unions also think the project’s €30 million budget is too low. Verniers and others believe these numbers show the project is not well-planned and is being pushed through without proper discussion or thought.
