core sector communique

EMF and ArcelorMittal sign an agreement in Europe to strengthen social dialogue and anticipate change

Luxembourg, 3 November 2009 (5.15 pm CET) - The European Metalworkers' Federation (EMF) and ArcelorMittal's European management signed an important agreement on the 2nd of November, with provisions for the restart of equipment as well as negotiated changes and opportunities to enhance employability for the Company's 115,000 workers in Europe during this challenging period of reduced activity that has led to the idling of some blast furnaces and industrial sites.

Furthermore this agreement aims at implementing transformations in the steel industry in Europe that will ensure competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Among other initiatives, it promotes a long-term skill development and training policy within the group, improved social dialogue at national level and the setting up of such dialogue where it does not yet exist.

Bart Samyn, EMF Deputy General Secretary, commented: "This agreement finds concrete ways of dealing with the effect of the crisis and is a step in the right direction in the current period of uncertainty. Furthermore it provides for the ongoing skills development of workers and the long-term sustainable industrial development of ArcelorMittal in Europe. The EMF trusts that the agreement will be swiftly implemented in all the European ArcelorMittal sites. The EMF will be vigilant about ensuring the full application of the agreement."

Michel Wurth, member of the Group Management Board responsible for ArcelorMittal Flat Products Europe, commented: "Making Europe's steel industry competitive and secure now and for years to come is a challenge that deserves to be dealt with in partnership. The Social Dialogue Group created by this agreement is a good forum to work together on such fundamental challenges."

Gonzalo Urquijo, member of the Group Management Board responsible for ArcelorMittal Long Products in Europe, added: "The conclusion of this agreement is indicative of the mutual trust and willingness of the parties involved to address the challenges facing the European steel industry and to find mutually beneficial solutions."

About ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel company, with operations in more than 60 countries.

ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature.

Through its core values of Sustainability, Quality and Leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment and of finite resources. ArcelorMittal recognises that it has a significant responsibility to tackle the global climate change challenge; it takes a leading role in the industry's efforts to develop breakthrough steelmaking technologies and is actively researching and developing steel-based technologies and solutions that contribute to combat climate change.

In 2008, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $124.9 billion and crude steel production of 103.3 million tonnes, representing approximately 10 per cent of world steel output.

ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Brussels (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).