Furious Tata Steel workers protest merger plans; Govt. called on to intervene

Employees working at Tata Steel will be holding large demonstrations at the steel mill in IJmuiden soon to show their dissatisfaction over a possible merger with German rival ThyssenKrupp. Some 4 thousand jobs could be lost in this merger. The Dutch government should intervene, according to Ineke Dezentje hamming-Bluemink of employers organization FME.

Well informed sources confirmed plans for the demonstration to RTV Noord-Holland, also handing the broadcaster a flyer with details. The flyer states that it is time for employees to be heard. "The union and employee participation are completely sidelined in discussions about a possible murder. It is ridiculous that decisions are made over the heads of employees on the future of Tata Steel in Europe and IJmuiden."

The demonstration is organized by union FNV. It will take place on Thursday, September 15th, between 11:55 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The day before there will also be a demonstration at the gate at 5:00 a.m.

Dezentje Hamming-Bluemink believes the company should step in to save the steel company, she said to the Financieele Dagblad. "German, French and other governments are not afraid to come up for national industrial interests. It is time that our government does the same. The government must step into the breach to preserve the unique position of the Dutch steel company.

Over 11 thousand people work at Tata Steel in the Netherlands.