According to union and company officials, the world's largest steelmaker ArcelorMittal has decided to temporarily lay off up to three quarters of the workforce at its Zenica plant in Bosnia due to the global financial crisis.
Starting the temporary layoffs on April 1, the company is offering to pay workers 55 percent of their regular wage, whereas the union at ArcelorMittal Zenica wants workers to receive 65 percent.
Commenting on the layoffs, the union said the measures come without their consent and will be met by daily protests starting on April 2.
"Up to 3,000 workers will be affected by this decision," said union president Islam Imamovic.