Urgent plea for Ramaphosa to save ArcelorMittal jobs
A call has been made to President
Cyril Ramaphosa and the CEO of ArcelorMittal South Africa to rescue thousands
on the brink of losing their jobs.
The plea from the Newcastle Growth Coalition comes after AMSA confirmed it will close down its long steel business in Newcastle in KZN and Vereeniging.
Some 3,500 people are facing job losses.
The move by the steel producer follows several failed attempts by the government to intervene.
The company says sluggish economic growth and the rising energy and logistics cost have left it with no other choice.
READ: Expert: SA cities lack effective waste management strategies
Johan Pieters, who is with the Newcastle Growth Coalition, says they are worried.
"It is a concern for us due to the fact that we know that there are still meetings between ArcelorMittal South Africa and the government.
"Most of us are born and bred in Newcastle, and it's important for us to ensure that the legacy continues, not just for the sake of continuing as a legacy, but also for business in Newcastle."
Find us on social media
Follow the ECR Newswatch WhatsApp channel here
