ArcelorMittal responds to protest-plea for local job creation
The artisans claimed that a mere 35 per cent of local artisans were being employed, putting the community at a disadvantage, as they too needed work in order to provide for their families.
In response to the recent protest action by jobseekers at Arcelormittal’s Newcastle main gate, ArcelorMittal has confirmed that the company supports the call for its subcontractors, to hire more local artisans, says AMSA General Manager Charlton Whitcher.
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This decision came after more than 50 angry, disappointed and disillusioned artisans protested outside the gates of AMSA after revealing that subcontractors were hiring artisans from outside Newcastle, rather than sourcing locally.
The artisans claimed that a mere 35 per cent of local artisans were being employed, putting the community at a disadvantage, as they too needed work in order to provide for their families.
“Why would you employ people from other provinces when there are hundreds of skilled workers right here, who need jobs and who are more than capable of doing the jobs required?” said Nhlakanipho Mhlanga, an artisan from Newcastle who added that he hoped this situation would be remedied.
Vuyo Mtawa of AMSA Head Office: Corporate Communications previously stated that as the leading steel producer in southern and sub-Saharan Africa, the company took its role as a significant contributor to the national economy very seriously.
“The company is also cognizant of its impact on the socio-economic development of local communities and makes a considerable effort to hire employees from communities near to ArcelorMittal operations.”
When asked how ArcelorMittal was driving this agenda, Whitcher explained that AMSA would include a clause in the relevant procurement documents that would require contracting firms to commit to an undertaking, to give preference to Newcastle residents when hiring artisans to do the work at the Newcastle site.
“ArcelorMittal will periodically audit the compliance of its subcontractors to this amendment to ensure compliance,” he said.
Whitcher further explained they discourage subcontractors from hiring or even collecting CV’s at the ArcelorMittal gates. Subcontractors are encouraged to recruit from an off-site office or the Department of Labour.
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