16 February, 2011While workers at a Gerdau facility in Duitama have secured jobs after an 18 month struggle, in Cali the struggle to keep a Gerdau plant open continues.
COLOMBIA: In Cali, Colombia the first court date in which Gerdau will try to remove the supraseniority of Edward Portilla was held on February 15, 2011. Portilla is one of two labour leaders that oppose the closing of the Sidelpa plant and refused to resign or accept a generous severance payout. If Gerdau is successful, the company will be able to fire Portilla and will be one step closer to finalize the closing of the plant.
Meanwhile in Duitama, Colombia after Gerdau announced more than18 months ago it would close the Duitama plant, it has now confirmed the plant will reopen. When the closure was first announced the workers took over the plant to keep it open. IMF affiliate Utrammicol and Gerdau agreed that workers will continue going to the plant until the issue was resolved; they would get paid wages but no work was to be performed. For more than 18 months these workers went to the plant, sat in the cafeteria and waited. The frustration and insecurity increased their stress to the point that was already affecting their health and family life. Last week Gerdau announced that the plant will be reopened. Details will be confirmed but the struggle of these workers has reached a successful end.