4 February, 2009ArcelorMittal workers have declared February 10 a day of action across Europe ahead of the company's expected declaration of shareholder profits.
EUROPE: On February 10 a delegation of workers and unions will march from the headquarters of the European Metalworkers Federation (EMF) to the ArcelorMittal office in Brussels to protest job cuts.
ArcelorMittal has announced plans to cut 6000 jobs across Europe despite posting third quarter profits of €8 billion in 2008.
Unions say the company is not in crisis and have criticised it for failing to consult with workers and for using global economic conditions as an excuse to execute unjustified restructuring plans.
Workers from Belgium, Germany, France, Spain, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Italy, Romania, Poland and the Czech Republic will join the delegation.
The multi-union effort will request an urgent meeting with ArcelorMittal management to discuss the creation of a European negotiation platform to deal with the proposed job losses.
Other protest activities at plants and ArcelorMittal offices will also be organized throughout Europe.
Affiliates of the International Metalworkers' Federation will take part in the day of action.