Lay Offs - ArcelorMittal - 644 Point Lisas steel workers fired
Jamaica Observer reported that a day after laid-off workers at ArcelorMittal won a wage dispute case in the Industrial Court in Port of Spain, the multi national steel company has fired every single employee. The company's Point Lisas plant has been closed and its 644 workers sent home.
Only on Thursday, workers celebrated having won at the Industrial Court, in a case against the company for laying them off twice between December 2015 and February this year. Their short-lived jubilation turned to immediate sorrow, after they were informed that the company had incurred a $1.3 billion debt and could no longer continue to operate. Over 700 workers had suddenly lost their jobs.
The employees have little to go home with as the company yesterday announced it will be liquidating its assets and employees will lose their pensions and gratuities but would be paid one month’s salary and their vacation.
The company gave several reasons why it was no longer economical, in the short or long term, to carry on doing business in Trinidad. It cited the increase in cheap steel from China and the international decrease in steel prices as well as the plans locally to increase gas and electricity prices, port rental, property tax and business levies as reasons why the company could not sustain its business.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley Saturday said that his administration views as “punitive and disrespectful in the extreme” the decision by ArcelorMittal Point Lisas, a subsidiary of the world’s leading steel and mining company, to end its operations here and send home more than 600 employees. He said “It is with a sense of sadness and deep disappointment that the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago have received the news of the actions of ArcelorMittal’s decision to close the steel producing business in our country.It was particularly hurtful as it was done on the heels of a decision where the workers had their rights defended in a Superior Court of Record in the state of Trinidad and Tobago. This far reaching action, taken without reference or discussion with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, affecting thousands of our citizens, we view as punitive and disrespectful in the extreme.”
According to SWUTT’s vice-president, Ramkumar Narinesingh, the company’s managing director, Robert Bellisle, indicated in a meeting on Friday that last December, the company had sent a proposal to the Government offering the plant for sale for $1. He said This means that if Government purchases the company, it will automatically inherit the $1.3 billion debt. When the liquidators take over, the company will no longer be obligated to settle outstanding payments to people who would have won in court. Additionally, matters before the courts will be deemed null and void.”
Source : Jamaica Observer