ArcelorMittal, the world's leading steel manufacturer, is facing a significant upheaval as it announces plans for a substantial job cut of 636 positions, with nearly 300 of those in Dunkirk, France. On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, during a video conference with Marc Ferracci, the Minister of Industry, elected officials and union representatives discussed urgent measures to address the impending layoffs. The meeting included prominent political figures such as Xavier Bertrand, the president of the Hauts-de-France region, and local deputies like Julien Gokel and Senator Marie-Claude Lermytte.
The steel giant revealed its social plan on April 30, 2025, which has raised alarms among workers and local communities. During the assembly of shareholders held at ArcelorMittal's headquarters in Luxembourg, the looming job cuts were a hot topic. The absence of company representatives during the video conference raised eyebrows, especially as concerns about the future of steel production in France were voiced.
Gaëtan Lecocq, the regional secretary of the CGT union at ArcelorMittal Dunkerque, expressed frustration over the company’s intentions, suggesting that ArcelorMittal is planning to relocate production outside Europe, primarily to India and Brazil. “We want to keep the 600 employees,” Lecocq stated firmly. He has been vocal about alerting public authorities regarding the company’s real intentions, which he believes are not aligned with the interests of the French workforce.
Stéphane Séjourné, a member of the European Parliament, tweeted about the need for swift action regarding the steel and metals plan, indicating that discussions are underway to explore joint actions at both national and European levels. “We are mobilized for the workers at ArcelorMittal and in the steel industry,” Séjourné noted.
During the video conference, discussions also revolved around potential solutions, including a total or partial nationalization of production facilities in France to safeguard jobs while a buyer is sought for the affected units. This proposal was notably supported by socialist deputy Boris Vallaud.
Xavier Bertrand did not hold back in his criticism of the French government’s response to the crisis. On May 7, he publicly urged Prime Minister François Bayrou to visit the Dunkirk site, questioning, “What is the Prime Minister waiting for?” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “There are 636 jobs being cut, 636 families behind them.” Bertrand pointed out that while the Prime Minister frequently travels to other regions, Dunkirk should be a priority given the scale of the layoffs.
Bertrand further argued that the immediate focus should be on the affected workers, followed by addressing the broader implications for over 15,000 jobs across the Hauts-de-France, Grand Est, and southern regions. He expressed concern that without limiting imports to 15% of demand, any nationalization efforts would be futile. “If you do not limit imports, no nationalization will hold,” he warned.
As the situation unfolds, a national social and economic committee (CSE) meeting is scheduled for May 13 and 14 in Saint-Denis, where further discussions regarding the job cuts will take place. The urgency of the matter is evident, as local leaders and union representatives prepare for a demonstration on May 13 in front of ArcelorMittal's French headquarters in Saint-Denis, coinciding with the CSE meeting.
In light of these developments, many are questioning the long-term viability of steel production in France and Europe. Lecocq reiterated the need for action, stating, “The group ArcelorMittal is deceiving the French state. They want to relocate their production outside of Europe.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among workers and politicians alike about the future of the steel industry in the region.
With the stakes so high, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the fate of the affected workers and the broader implications for the steel sector in France. As the May 13 demonstration approaches, the pressure mounts on both ArcelorMittal and the French government to find a solution that prioritizes the livelihoods of those affected.
As the situation continues to evolve, the voices of workers, union leaders, and politicians will play a crucial role in shaping the response to this challenging crisis. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, and many are watching closely to see how the government will respond to the demands of its constituents.
