After finding two investors willing to purchase ArcelorMittal’s steel plant in T&T, the Steel Workers Union of T&T (SWUTT) was shut down before their bid even reached the drawing table.
In an emergency press conference this morning, the union’s president Christopher Henry told the media ArcelorMittal has refused to meet with them.
“A decision was taken by the union to source investors who would be interested in succeeding ArcelorMittal Point Lisas Limited for a continued operation of the steel industry in T&T, thus securing the livelihood of thousands of citizens,” Henry said.
“A letter was sent to the company indicating such and a request was made for a meeting,” he added.
The union sent its letter on March 16, but in a response on March 18, the plant’s managing director Robert Bellisle said the liquidation process has already begun.
“As you know, the process of liquidation of the company has commenced,” Bellisle wrote. “If you would like to submit a formal proposal for the acquisition of the Point Lisas plant, we are willing to review it.
“However and given the magnitude of complexities of any acquisition process and the length of time such process would take, we would suggest that you engage in these discussions with the liquidator once one is appointed,” Bellisle wrote.
Henry is now questioning why the company was willing to sell to the Government but not to the union and it’s investors.