Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says there is no need for engagement with the Steel Workers’ Union over the reopening of the former Arcelor-Mittal plant at Point Lisas.
According to a Guardian Media report, the Prime Minister said the US-based company behind Ibis Steel is free to hire any qualified citizen and that the union is not a stakeholder in the project.
This follows a call by union president Timothy Bailey for a meeting with the Prime Minister and the new owners.
During a meeting yesterday, he said former steel workers should have a role in the plant’s reopening and wants outstanding issues addressed.
Last week, Ibis Steel reopend the stalled plant to begin refurbishment and restart operations, with plans to invest US$750 million in the plant, with the potential to create up to 1,000 permanent jobs.
