Steelmaker ArcelorMittal has temporarily laid off hundreds of workers at its Point Lisas mill in the state of same name in Trinidad and Tobago, according to media reports this week.
Media reports in both Spanish and English suggested different numbers for the massive layoff, ranging from 480 to 600 workers.
Local media said the dismissals were due to the nation's prevailing economic downturn, as Trinidad's central bank governor, Jwala Rambarran, recently declared the nation to be in a recession state. Other reason for Arcelor to lay off the workers included the company's inability to reach a consensus with a local union regarding a collective agreement.
Media reports said the layoffs are temporary and may last for about one month. The plant should operate with a limited number of workers in order to keep basic maintenance activities, according to a media report in Spanish.
Trinidad and Tobago's steelworkers union, SWUTT, claimed the dismissals were unlawful and urged the local government to intervene in the situation.
“There is a way and a method to do things by law. What the company did was unlawful. We are calling on the company to do the right thing and sit with us to put these workers back on the job," said the union's president, Christopher Henry.
ArcelorMittal's Point Lisas facility in located just 10 miles away north from the coast of Venezuela. It produces hot-briquetted iron (HBI) and has a 550,000 mt/year capacity.