Chief Executive Officer of ArcelorMittal plants in Ukraine and Kazakhstan Paramjit Kahlon met for the first time the representatives of global trade union federation (IndustriALL Global Union) in Kyiv. The meeting was held with participation of main trade unions of Kazakh and Ukrainian plants of the group. IndustriALL Global Union / FES unites the trade unions of various industries in the world: from motor industry, power, machine building, ship building to chemical, pharmaceutical, mining, steelmaking, cement, textile, clothing and other key segments of economy. Leading trade union federation is represented in over 100 countries of the world. Director for metallurgy of Global IndustriAll Union Adam Lee and regional secretary of Global Union Vadim Borisov were present at the meeting from the organization.
“It is no coincidence that IndustriALL Global Union pays attention to the plants of ArcelorMittal – both in Kazakhstan and in Ukraine they are the leaders among steel producers and coal mining and processing facilities (in Kazakhstan). Besides, these are one of the biggest employers in their regions: over 29,000 people (employees and contractors) work for ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih (AMKR), and headcount of ArcelorMittal Temirtau (AMT) is 37,800 (also including contractors). This is big responsibility for the destiny of the plants, their development and future,” emphasized Paramjit Kahlon, Chief Executive Officer of AMT and AMKR, in his speech.
He noted that the approach to investment in these assets was completely changed when the new owner came: it was increased many times over this period. For example, it reached $4.2 billion over 12 years of the company work in Ukraine. Considering acquisition of the plants and investment in their development, ArcelorMittal Group became one of the biggest foreign investors in both countries. Due to investments, by 2017 the company already managed to reduce environmental footprint several-fold, and with the commissioning of the new facilities the company plans to reach the European standards in environmental sphere. Already now, the emissions into the atmosphere were reduced by 37% in Kriviy Rih, and wastewater discharge was reduced by 74% versus 2006.
Herewith, social infrastructure of the companies was preserved: recreation centers, children’s camps, health care centers, polyclinics, Culture Palaces and other socially significant facilities, many former Soviet Union companies quickly got rid of. Year by year, social budgets of AMT and AMKR grow, many new social projects and initiatives emerge. Despite all the challenges, companies’ management increases the salaries for their employees every year.
In the opinion of Chief Executive Officer, reduction of occupational injuries is the most remarkable achievement since the time when the new owner came to the plant. ArcelorMittal’s target is to achieve zero injuries at such complicated and dangerous production as steelmaking and mining. This target is ambitious, but achievable in case of implementation of new production culture and rigorous compliance with Health and Safety rules, said Kahlon in his speech.
The meeting of the management of the companies in Ukraine and Kazakhstan with Global Trade Union Association presented the readiness of both parties for continuous and open dialogue, discussion of the problems related to working conditions and remuneration of employees. Discussions and sharing of opinions on the issues, solving of which will have positive effect on all employees of ArcelorMittal Kriviy Rih and ArcelorMittal Temirtau can be the next step of cooperation. (AMKR/Ukrainian metal)