Employees of the Tubos Reunidos plant in Amurrio, who have been on an indefinite strike since March 16 against the ERE (Employment Regulation File) proposing 242 layoffs, demonstrated again this Tuesday in Bilbao. Union representatives have expressed their interest in meeting with SEPI (State Society of Industrial Participations), the company's main creditor.
The demonstration took place a day after the audit report was released, which warned of the uncertain future of Tubos Reunidos, confirming losses of 118 million euros and a financial debt of 263.2 million. The workers marched through the center of Bilbao and reaffirmed their intention to continue the strike at the Alavesa plant.
“"The situation will not be fixed by ending an indefinite strike. The problem is the company's conditions, which has a very large debt."
The main objective of the protest remains the withdrawal of the ERE, the non-closure of the steel mill at the Amurrio factory, and the non-outsourcing of logistics. Unions are awaiting a call from management this week, with a meeting scheduled for the 16th with representatives from the Basque Government's Department of Industry.
“"We don't know how union representatives can meet with someone from SEPI, as it is the body with which the refinancing and restructuring of the debt must be negotiated, to see what is happening, but no one wants to give us any contact."
Gorka Abascal, ESK delegate, stated that this meeting is “relevant” as the Department of Industry is responsible for providing information on the status of negotiations regarding debt restructuring with SEPI. However, he added that they were “quite disappointed” after a previous meeting with the Basque Department of Employment. The ELA, LAB, and ESK unions plan to challenge the ERE in court in the coming days.
