Arcelormittal workers to start an unlimited strike, iron prices to soar

Different branches affiliated to the trade union of the Arcelormittal Group in El Hedjar, in Annaba province, have decided starting an unlimited strike as by 28 of the current May, to protest the non commitment of the administration with workers’ claims.

The main claims of the workers are wage hikes, notably after the proposal relating to the issue made by the French company were far from the unions’ aspiration. The proposal was made following four round of talks held with the group board. 

A meeting to discuss the situation has been hold recently where all the Arcelormittal Trade Union branches decided to start an unlimited strike, but kept the door open for further talks to solve the issue, a statement issued by the trade unions said.

The source added that the strike is maintained as long as the claims of the workers are not met, namely increasing their wages by 10 to 35%.

Observers warned that such a strike will likely provoke a record soar in iron prices in local market. Iron prices jumped up by 90%, recently following the shortage provoked by the strike of workers in Ouenza iron ore mine, recently.

A ton of iron hit 8000 DZD (about 70 euros), while the forthcoming strike in El Hedjar Arcelormittal is likely to hamper several construction projects.