Trinidad and Tobago reroller Central Trinidad Steel (Centrin) has shut operations due to severe market conditions, the Steel Workers Union of Trinidad and Tobago said Wednesday.
Union President Christopher Henry said about 200 workers were recently given layoff notices, effective immediately, also indicating the intention to close the plant and curtail operations.
Henry said meetings with the company have been requested.
"We are also calling on the government to intervene in this very drastic action," he said.
Stefan Anthony, a union manager, said Centrin said it had no choice but to retrench due to the downturn in the steel industry.
Centrin did not respond to a request for comment.
Centrin has annual production capacity of 120,000 mt of rebar, flats and angles, and also produces special quality bars. It is 100% owned by Bhagwansingh's Hardware group.
