The management of ArcelorMittal Liberia has reacted to this week’s verdict by the Labour Ministry mandating the company to pay US308,000.00 to former workers, who had taken their case to the Ministry.

In a statement reacting to the decision of the Ministry, ArcelorMittal said it was concern about the ruling.

FULL TEXT OF THE AML PRESS RELEASE BELOW:

Press statement

23^rd September 2021 ̶ (BUCHANAN) ArcelorMittal Liberia (“AML”, “the Company”) is aware of the recent ruling by the Ministry of Labor in Liberia in relation to an ongoing dispute with a group calling itself “Aggrieved Former Contractors” (“Aggrieved Contractors”).

The dispute involves claims to entitlements going back in some cases more than ten (10) years.

The Company would like to clarify several critical points:

• In September 2020, the Company settled a dispute with former redundant AML workers in a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the workers and the Government of Liberia (“GoL”).
• An important part of that agreement, which was fully supported by the Government of Liberia, was that it explicitly excluded contractors, temporary and casual workers from having any legitimate claim.
• Despite the ‘’Aggrieved Former Contractors’’ being unable to provide any evidence to support their claim of direct employment by AML for a period of 3.5 years that would entitle them to conversion to a permanent employee, AML agreed to make a contribution to an industry fund for the benefit of former contractors as a means of social support.

AML remains committed to being a responsible corporate citizen. The Company also calls for adherence to Government of Liberia’s statement of zero tolerance of disruption to rail operations for any reason.

About ArcelorMittal

ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 17 countries. In 2020, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $53.3 billion and crude steel production of 71.5 million metric tonnes, while iron ore production reached 58.0 million metric tonnes.

Our goal is to help build a better world with smarter steels. Steels made using innovative processes which use less energy, emit significantly less carbon and reduce costs. Steels that are cleaner, stronger and reusable. Steels for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure that will support societies as they transform through this century. With steel at our core, our inventive people, and an entrepreneurial culture at heart, we will support the world in making that change. This is what we believe it takes to be the steel company of the future. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid and Valencia (MTS).

For more information about ArcelorMittal please visit: http://corporate.arcelormittal.com/