Agreement
The first phase of the partial decarbonization efforts at the Veriña steel center in Gijón has pushed ArcelorMittal to pursue an employment regulation file, an ER E, as a path to compliance for about 440 workers, largely based in Asturias. Negotiations continued late into the night in Etxebarri, with talks expected to resume, and the company remains resistant to the contractual transition approach requested by the unions. Workers born in 1962 and 1963 express willingness to continue the process once they reach the same retirement age as earlier groups.
The rejection of the contract termination formula by business leaders centers on the belief that recruiting replacements to match the pace of exits tied to future green energy projects would be unrealistic. The plan foresees a reduced staffing footprint at the Gijón works, including the direct-production facility for green hydrogen and iron ore, pending approval to replace one of the plant’s two blast furnaces. ArcelorMittal estimates a potential impact of about one thousand fewer jobs, equating to roughly 20 percent of its current Asturias workforce.
The proposed 440 positions across the whole region, described as the Asturias Cluster encompassing Asturias, Sagunto, Etxebarri, and Legasa-Lesaka, is linked specifically to the electric furnace. At the latest meeting, the Union representatives asserted the need for the loyalty of around one hundred newly hired workers.
The company argues that the ERE plan, aided by government support, can offer terms for redundancies that are at least as favorable as those provided by the traditional aid contract.
Agreement
Meanwhile, collective bargaining negotiations for Asturias continue under the VIII Framework Agreement signed in May for the entire Cluster. The company proposed to integrate staff and emphasized an inclusive approach that would cover individual and team bonuses, summer working hour arrangements aligned with the latest proposal, per diem increases to cover meals, and a flexible 16-hour shift arrangement for staff working in three shifts across five teams.
The unions put forward a joint proposal focusing on shared benefits that include a cafeteria for all workers, holiday bonuses, improved management of the temporary worker pool, and better sick leave provisions. They also called for enhanced collective insurance, summer work incentives, and employment bonuses, along with market and special aid, a Christmas fund, and a care basket to support staff during the year.