- In a statement by Sidenor, the company argues as an argument for the cessation of activity the increased supply of electricity. He explained that last year the receipt of the MegaWattio light was around EUR 60, which this October is paying EUR 227 and which according to his forecasts for December this year would reach EUR 284. It argues that this has led to an increase in its production cost of more than EUR 200 per tonne and that, therefore, it has informed the works council and all workers that they are going to interrupt their business within 20 days. The ELA trade union has said that they have been given too general information on the situation.
The fact that Sidenor performs a 20-day strike means the suspension of 30% of productive working days from today until the end of the year. As announced by the company, it will first affect the Basauri plant and then gradually the others: In the Basque Country it has two other floors, in Vitoria-Gasteiz and in Azkoitia.
The Basque Government announced on the same day that Sidenor has made this decision public, which will meet this Friday with the industrial sectors most affected by the rise in electricity.
ELA: "It is essential to have more information to know the reasons for the measure"
The ELA trade union has denounced that Sidenor's management has informed the Basauri plant's company committee of its intention to stop the activity for 20 days "without giving explanations". "During the meeting, the trade unions have sought to deepen the reasons for this decision and have asked for information on the demands and costs of companies. They also wanted to know the impact of electricity growth and information on the company’s contract with electricity companies. However, Sidenor has not provided any response, except for the general reference to the rise in electricity prices. For ALS, it is essential to have more information to know the reasons for the measure".