Arcelor Mittal employee representatives and management have agreed on the principle of a new combined European Works Council (EWC). This new agreement replaces the EWC agreements that previously existed at both Mittal Steel and Arcelor prior to the merger and represents a major additional step in the integration process of Arcelor Mittal.
The new Arcelor Mittal EWC will be representing more than 130,000 employees within the EU27.
Twenty-one representatives from nine countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania and Spain) representing 18 trade unions and supported by the European Metalworkers Federation (EMF) were involved in discussions with Arcelor Mittal.
Roland Junck, member of the Arcelor Mittal group management board, said: “For Arcelor Mittal, social dialogue and employee involvement are key drivers for success. This agreement is yet another major step forward in our integration process. We look forward to work with the new EWC on all the challenges and opportunities we have in
Jacques Laplanche, secretary of the Arcelor European Works Council, said: “This is a good agreement and it exceeds provisions of other agreements within the metallurgical industry. The conclusion of this agreement is based on the intention of the two parties to develop a combined Arcelor Mittal identity and a high-quality European transnational social dialogue which guarantees the group’s further successful development in
Uwe Scharnberg, chairman of the Mittal European Works Council, said: “The full commitment of all involved parties and the confidence in the Arcelor Mittal values made this agreement possible.”
Peter Scherrer, general secretary of the European Metalworkers Federation, said: “With this agreement, Arcelor Mittal management has shown that it combines diversity and coherence with regard to national industrial relations, which gives a solid basis for working with this agreement, and is a clear example for other multinationals."