ArcelorMittal plans temporary layoffs at Genova rolling mill

ArcelorMittal has announced to unions its intention to request the initiation of a temporary layoff scheme for 130 workers each at the rolling plant in Genova and the mill in Novi Ligure, both in north-eastern Italy, Kallanish learns from unions sources.

The announcement comes only one day after the company reached an agreement with the Italian government over the immediate future of the former Ilva group. This gives local authorities an important role in the relaunch of the group.

The layoffs in Genova and Novi Ligure were requested due the weakness in demand and the difficulties experienced by the manufacturing sectors. Unions rapidly expressed their opposition to the plan and called for labour action. The new layoff scheme should last 13 weeks and start at the end of March. Meetings between management and unions are planned for March.

At the same time union sources say ArcelorMittal is also planning to extend by three further months the existing layoff scheme at the Taranto mill of the former Ilva group.

Genova can produce up to 1.5 million tonnes/year of coils, processed using hot rolled coil delivered from other ArcelorMittal plants, including the integrated Taranto site.