ArcelorMittal Italia’s new furlough scheme hits 8,000 workers

ArcelorMittal Italia has started the procedure for a new temporary layoff scheme for 8,128 workers at its Taranto steelworks, Kallanish learns from unions and sources close to the company.

In a letter to unions, the company blames the harsh market conditions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. The new layoffs will start on 29 March and last for 12 weeks.

The company declined to comment on the move.

The effect of the crisis continues to impact orders, for which ArcelorMittal Italia has noticed a drastic fall, unions were told. The letter also talks about the difficulties encountered in closing orders and invoicing.

This comes in the wake of a significant coil shortage, particularly in Italy, and follows several rounds of coil price increases implemented by ArcelorMittal across Europe, Kallanish notes.

The company already extended layoffs several times last year. Furlough extensions have been granted by the government to all Italian companies in response to the Covid-19 crisis.

Natalia Capra France