ArcelorMittal Plans to Move 5,600 European Support Jobs to India

Global steel titan ArcelorMittal is evaluating a massive restructuring plan that could see thousands of support-function roles shifted from Europe to India.

The move is part of an aggressive efficiency drive, according to the company’s European Works Council.

This initiative aims to standardize fragmented operations and slash non-production costs.

Massive Workforce Impact on ArcelorMittal

Jean-Luc Ruffin, secretary of the European Works Council, revealed that the plan could affect approximately 5,600 jobs across 20 European countries.

This represents roughly 11% of ArcelorMittal’s 48,500-strong European workforce.

The targeted positions span critical white-collar and support departments, including IT, logistics, maintenance, HR, finance, and procurement.

In France alone, unions estimate that 1,650 roles are at risk, while regions like Asturias in Spain could see 450 jobs affected.

This follows a “first wave” of relocations announced last year, which impacted 4,000 roles and resulted in 1,400 job losses.

The “India Hub” Strategy

The company plans to centralize these activities by creating a specialized Business Services Hub in India and expanding its existing Center of Excellence in Poland.

ArcelorMittal defended the move as essential for a “sustainable business model,” citing the need to use global talent and advanced AI to remain competitive.

The company has clarified that while support functions are being offshored, steel production activities will remain in Europe.

A Crisis in European Steel and Union Backlash

The relocation comes as the European steel industry faces a “perfect storm” of economic pressures.

High energy costs, a 20% drop in demand over the last five years, and a surge in cheap imports—primarily from China—have severely dented profitability.

Additionally, the imposition of 25% tariffs by the U.S. administration has further destabilized the sector.

The Works Council condemned the plan as an “attack on European workers.”

They urged the company to halt further relocations until the consequences of previous cuts are fully reviewed.

A pivotal follow-up meeting is scheduled for February 26.

This discussion will take place at the company’s Luxembourg headquarters to address the specific fate of affected employees.

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