Controlled explosions continue to drain the burning furnace.
The leadership at ArcelorMittal presented a final framework proposal last night to the workers’ representatives, outlining terms for all its Spanish plants. The document promises real, year-by-year adjustments to the consumer price index (CPI) for 2022 through 2025, along with a 0.75% variable component that remains contingent on targets to be defined for 2023, 2024, and 2025. It also includes several other changes meant to improve a range of conditions across the operation.
Throughout the negotiation day, which began in the morning, management’s latest proposal—emerging after multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers between the company and the unions—was deemed insufficient by UGT-FICA and CC OO. The CC OO group accommodated some degree of progress, suggesting that advances could be possible. Meanwhile USO went further, noting that there are clear signs of progress and indicating momentum toward a potential signing. The negotiators on that side stated that talks had progressed to a point where a solid basis for agreement had been formed, and that they were very close to a resolution.
However, the session intended as the final, definitive discussion ended without the parties deciding to reconvene or signaling the possibility of another meeting. The odds of continued talks remained uncertain as night fell. On April 21, both sides had agreed to involve the Asturian Extralegal Dispute Resolution Service (Sasec) at the request of the mediation centers, marking the last negotiation day and creating a formal commitment between the parties. Additionally, Asturias committees (except for CC OO) agreed to suspend mobilizations that had started the previous Monday, providing one last window for the deal, with the company insisting it would not negotiate under strike pressure.
The immediate plan included a two-hour strike in the various shifts called by CC OO, with another two-hour strike scheduled for tomorrow by Avilés, Gijón, and the mineral park committees. This is expected to broaden into a series of increasingly longer strikes on non-consecutive days throughout the month.
Beyond maintaining purchasing power, the latest proposal from the company included a three-year approach to seniority that would mirror the current five-year terms, applying a three-fifths valuation to related calculations. It also outlined a framework for integrating individual contract workers (particularly mid-level managers) within the broader contract structure, with a policy to be defined in each specific area. The plan also includes provisions regarding workers born in 1962 who hold service contracts, along with other measures related to a necessary repair at blast furnace A in Gijón following a fire on March 22. Investments in the Gijón plant’s new electric steelmaking operations and a future direct reduction of iron (DRI) facility were put forward, with the aim of replacing blast furnace A as part of the decarbonization initiatives under review for one to two months to finalize the conditions and the exit process from the working group.
The company also proposed improvements to group insurance for workers who became permanently disabled after 2000, while noting that there would be no changes to paid leave, limited flexible remuneration for all workers under contract, the absence of a dining room allowance for contract staff with split shifts, and the introduction of two days of unpaid, redeemable savings for calendars to be regulated through the collective agreements.
UGT viewed the proposal as insufficient because it does not address the retirement exits for older staff, the stabilization of temporary workers, or the guarantee of continued investment. CC OO criticized the economic component of the offer and highlighted perceived gaps in other improvements. Conservative suggestions aside, the mood remained focused on what the framework could deliver in terms of long-term stability and competitiveness for the workforce.
In a related update, controlled micro-explosions continued at blast furnace A in Gijón with the aim of draining the furnace and removing solidified pig iron that accumulated on March 22. A second round of detonations occurred yesterday afternoon after the initial intervention failed to completely clear the material. Previous attempts using different techniques also fell short. Removing pig iron from the furnace walls is critical for assessing damage, pinpointing the source of water leaks that caused the explosion and subsequent fire, and restarting the damaged crucible. Additional components may be affected as the troubleshooting proceeds. This work is part of ongoing efforts to restore full operation while the site reviews safety and repair needs. The events are being tracked as part of a broader safety and maintenance program ongoing at the facility. (Technical briefings, plant operations logs, 2024)