Brazilian steelmaker Usiminas has started this week massive layoffs at its Cubatao mill, in the city of same name located in the state of Sao Paulo.
While earlier reports indicated the layoffs would commence closer to the end of the month or possibly the beginning of February, the company is said to have dismissed several workers on Tuesday.
Media reports and a local union noted the layoffs should continue in the next few days, totaling around 2,000 workers.