The National Metalworkers Union of South Africa (Numsa) has ended its strike at ArcelorMittal South Africa following constructive negotiations. The strike was initiated in response to retrenchments triggered by the closure of ArcelorMittal’s Coke batteries 6 and 7 plants. Under the agreement, ArcelorMittal will offer voluntary separation packages, allowing affected employees to apply for new or existing vacancies. Numsa General Secretary Irvin Jim acknowledged the company’s need to restructure amid serious operational challenges, including high electricity costs, unfair trade practices and infrastructure bottlenecks.
