ItalyThe article discusses the ongoing strike at the Thy-Marcinelle steelworks controlled by the Italian Riva Group, which has been paralyzed since May 21 due to concerns over the closure of the hot rolling area. The decision follows an announcement in January 2026 by the Italian steel group to shut down operations involving blast furnaces, citing declining demand and market oversupply. The Belgian union Métallos FGTB disputes this reasoning, blaming strategic errors by Riva, particularly the loss of a major client, Van Merksteijn International. The strike threatens 179 jobs, including around 60 Italian workers with decades of experience. Local authorities, including Mayor Thomas Dermine of Charleroi, threaten expropriation if the closure proceeds, using it as leverage to negotiate with Riva. Rumors suggest Russian steel giant NLMK could acquire the plant, which would support its remaining facilities in Belgium and Italy.
Bias read (Left): The article frames the dispute as a struggle between workers and corporate interests, emphasizing the impact on Italian workers and suggesting potential foreign ownership (Russian NLMK). It highlights labor unions' opposition to the closure and presents local authorities as acting in solidarity with
