Unions expected to protest against further job losses in steel sector

A further 12,400 steel workers are likely to lose their jobs over the next two years, according to a prediction by the Economy Ministry. This will mean that the number of workers employed in the sector will fall to 30,600 by the end of 2003. In 1999 and 2000, the steel sector laid off as many as 42,600 workers. The trade unions are planning to protest against any further dismissals. In a statement due to be released on May 9th, they are expected to call for costly social protection guarantees for laid-off steel workers. Already, the scale of state support for the steel sector is considered by the EU as too extensive. (Puls Biznesu, p.4), M.T.