“Cutting 600 out the 1,000 jobs at Gandrange is a first step towards closing down this factory,” stated EMF General Secretary Peter Scherrer. “This would be a terrible blow not only to those directly affected at the plant, but to the whole regional employment basin.”

The EMF supports the trade union demands towards ArcelorMittal to recall the announced job cuts and discuss alternative solutions aimed at maintaining an economically viable plant at Gandrange.

The OGB-L LCGB, the EMF’s affiliates in Luxembourg have already declared they will be joining their French colleagues at tomorrow’s demonstration. The EMF calls on all its affiliates to join the demonstration and/or send messages of support and solidarity.

We draw your attention to the fact that a Workers’ Blog has been jointly created by the French trade unions so as to provide information on the Gandrange situation. We invite you to visit the blog and register your comments and messages.

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PRESS 5/2008

The EMF is the representative body defending the interests of workers in the European metal industry. The EMF has a mandate for the external representation and coordination of the metalworkers' unions and a mandate to engage in bargaining at European level.

For further information please contact:
Editor, Peter Scherrer , EMF General Secretary