The Daily Journal.- The Guayana Grassroots Workers’ Social Movement denounced alleged labor irregularities at Siderúrgica del Orinoco “Alfredo Maneiro” (Sidor) on Thursday and warned about deteriorating services for workers and their families.
In a statement dated September 10, the organization accused company management of pursuing an alleged policy of “precarious employment conditions” and demanded answers from Sidor’s Human Resources authorities.
Among its main complaints, the movement cited problems with employee transportation, healthcare services and retirement procedures that it claims the company uses as pressure mechanisms against workers.
Regarding transportation, the organization said the service has “collapsed or been denied,” which, in its view, jeopardizes workers’ mobility and safety.
The movement also denounced an alleged deterioration of the company’s healthcare system, which it said has left workers and their families without adequate coverage for emergencies or occupational illnesses.
Regarding retirement, the movement described some company decisions as “forced” and argued that management uses these measures as a form of workplace persecution.
The organization said these situations violate provisions of Venezuela’s Organic Labor Law for Workers (LOTTT), the Venezuelan Constitution and international conventions protecting labor rights.
Allegations against executives
The Guayana Grassroots Workers’ Social Movement held Eduardo Bustamante, Sidor’s vice president; Yelenni Márquez, Human Resources director; Martín Peña, Engineering director; and Alejandro Suárez, Industrial director, responsible for the company’s labor management, responsible for the company’s labor management.
According to the statement, these officials act under Sandy Villarroel’s orders and have made decisions that the organization says contribute to deteriorating working and operating conditions at the steelmaker.
The movement also argued that Sidor faces structural deterioration that could lead to a “technical shutdown” of the company. However, the statement provides no figures on production, operations, workforce levels, or financial conditions to support that claim.
The workers called on company management to restore the services and labor rights they say have deteriorated and demanded that authorities address the conditions outlined in their complaints.
Sidor, Venezuela’s largest steelmaker, operates in Ciudad Guayana, Bolívar state, and forms part of the country’s strategic industrial sector.
