ArcelorMittal, European Works Council to Strengthen Dialogue
12/17/2008 - ArcelorMittal’s Group Management Board and the Secretariat of the European Works Council agree to strengthen the social dialogue regarding the company’s SG&A Voluntary Separation programs and other local productivity plans.
Lakshmi Mittal and the Group Management Board of ArcelorMittal have agreed with the Secretariat of the European Works Council to strengthen the social dialogue at national and local level in regards to ArcelorMittal’s SG&A Voluntary Separation programs and other local productivity plans.
The parties met earlier this week at the company’s London offices to discuss the effects of the financial and economic crisis on the real economy and the steel industry.
“I was pleased to meet yesterday with the Secretariat of the European Works Council,” said Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO of ArcelorMittal. “Social dialogue is important at all times, but particularly when we face challenging economic conditions like we do currently. ArcelorMittal is committed to working closely with our unions to achieve the best outcome for our employees.”
Jacques Laplanche, Secretary of the European Works Council, added: "We expressed our wish that the SG&A programs and local productivity measures be deployed in social dialogue and with negotiations when relevant. It is in this spirit that we will address current difficult time".
ArcelorMittal is the world's largest steel company, with over 326,000 employees in more than 60 countries. It leads a number of major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the company covers key steel markets, from emerging to mature.
Through its core values of sustainability, quality and leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to sustainable management of the environment and of finite resources. ArcelorMittal recognizes that it has a significant responsibility to tackle the global climate change challenge; it takes a leading role in the industry's efforts to develop breakthrough steelmaking technologies; and is actively researching and developing steel-based technologies and solutions that contribute to combat climate change.
In 2007, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $105.2 billion and crude steel production of 116 million tonnes, representing around 10% of world steel output.
