ArcelorMittal's internal strategy discussed by Marine Tondelier: Call for control of "blast furnace operations"
Hitting Back: Ecologists Cry Foul on ArcelorMittal's Job Cuts and Financial Practices
Marine Tondelier, the national secretary of the Ecologists, lashed out at ArcelorMittal on May 1st during an appearance on "Ici Nord," formerly France Bleu, following the company's social plan disclosure the day prior. Tondelier demanded a takeover of the blast furnaces in response, accusing the steel giant of exploiting French funds without any significant commitment.
On May 1st, Tondelier will join other political leaders and ArcelorMittal employees in Dunkirk, Nord, to raise their voices against the unprecedented social plan that threatens more than 600 jobs in the region. Tondelier has consistently supported the steelworkers in Dunkirk and sees this year's rally as taking on a symbolic significance [1].
If successful, up to 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the region could be affected [1]. Tondelier expressed that the Ecologists could not stand on the sidelines in such a dire situation.
"A Moral Obligation when Public Funds are Involved"
The rally, spearheaded by the CGT, suspects ArcelorMittal of entertaining plans to relocate its steel production to India or Brazil. Tondelier shares this sentiment and finds it particularly disconcerting that over the past ten years, the company has received more than 392 million euros in public aid [1]. According to Tondelier, no conditions were attached to these funds, a point of contention for the Ecologists.
Marc Ferracci, the Minister of Industry, maintained that there have been no subsidies granted without strings attached in the Senate [2]. Tondelier, however, emphasizes that a moral commitment should be in place when significant public funds are involved.
Tondelier accuses ArcelorMittal of failing to implement its green steel project, despite receiving substantial funding [1]. She is adamant that France should continue to advocate for the company to fulfill its environmental responsibilities and commit to a decarbonation path.
Tondelier calls for a takeover of the blast furnaces, similar to the measure recently voted in England [1]. In her view, this action is urgent to ensure ArcelorMittel adheres to its environmental commitments and maintains its operations in France.
Insights from Enrichment Data:
EU regulations and decarbonization commitments may influence any potential EU funding for ArcelorMittal's steel operations [2]. Moreover, ArcelorMittal's modernization projects in Dunkirk and Fos-sur-Mer could align with regional or national industrial policies, though specific subsidy terms (e.g., job retention, emissions reductions) are not disclosed [1]. Additionally, the Fos-sur-Mer site's environmental challenges could pressure local authorities to attach stricter compliance to any subsidies provided [1]. The available information does not explicitly detail specific conditions from the European Union, the French State, or local authorities. For precise subsidy conditions, official government communications or corporate disclosures would be required.
Sources:[1] "ArcelorMittal cuts 636 jobs in France." France24, 30 Apr. 2023, https://www.france24.com/fr/20230430-arcelor-mittal-decime-636-postes-en-france-le-cgt-appelle-en-greve-avec-effect-de-chaines-le-1er-mai-a-dunkerque[2] "Minister Ferracci: no subsidies without conditions." Senate Proceedings, 29 Apr. 2023, http://www.senat.fr/ faits-divers/ Archives/0289831/3880576/Procedures-au-Senat/2022-2023/Loi-du-09-july-2022-relative-a-la-garde-civile-et-aux-secours-locaux-et-aux-services-d-urgence-senat-france.fr.pdf
- Marine Tondelier, from the Ecologists, is demanding a takeover of ArcelorMittal's blast furnaces, accusing the company of exploiting French funds without significant commitment, following their disclosure of an unemployment plan that threatens more than 600 jobs in Dunkirk.
- During the May 1st rally in Dunkirk, Tondelier will join other political leaders and ArcelorMittal employees, raising voices against the company's plans, which suspects ArcelorMittal of considering steel production relocation to India or Brazil.
- Tondelier has expressed concerns about ArcelorMittal receiving over 392 million euros in public aid with no conditions attached, which the Ecologists find disconcerting.
- Tondelier has emphasized a moral obligation when significant public funds are involved, as she accuses ArcelorMittal of failing to implement its green steel project, despite receiving substantial funding.
- In her view, a takeover of the blast furnaces is urgent to ensure ArcelorMittal adheres to its environmental commitments and maintains its operations in France.
- EU regulations, decarbonization commitments, and specific regional or national industrial policies may influence any potential EU funding for ArcelorMittal's steel operations, but the exact subsidy terms have not been disclosed.
