GroenLinks-PvdA is furious about the dismissal round that Tata Steel announces according to insiders this week. The steel company reportedly wants to scrap one in five jobs in IJmuiden. “Unacceptable and unacceptable,” says the largest opposition party in the Lower House.
Tata Steel is consulting with the government about sustainability plans that may require billions in state aid. GroenLinks-PvdA suspects that the company wants to put extra pressure on those negotiations, and “abused the transition to green steel to easily get rid of people”.
The opposition party believes that in addition to sustainability and health gain for local residents, there must also be sufficient employment a condition for government support. “Making a profit cannot prevail over employment, health aspects and greening,” says MP Joris Thijssen.
SP leader Jimmy Dijk calls it “a big blow to employees, industry and the region”. He argues for nationalization of Tata Steel.