NUMSA workers set to protest at ArcelorMittal over retrenchments

JOHANNESBURG - More than 100 workers from steel-making company ArcelorMittal affiliated with the National Metalworkers Union of South Africa (NUMSA) are expected to stage a protest on Thursday in Vanderbijlpark.

The disgruntled workers were retrenched last week, following the closure of their department within the company. 

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NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said workers are concerned about their livelihoods. 

"It has not disclosed if there are vacancies to absorb some of these workers, and refuses to entertain the possibility of voluntary severance packages for those workers who are older, and may be interested in early retirement.

"Their refusal to discuss alternatives is disturbing because it means they do not care at all about the suffering of employees," she said.