CENTURION - ArcelorMittal is shutting down its Newcastle and Vereeniging Long Steel plants after failing to find a state-backed rescue solution.
Around 3,500 jobs, will be lost, with the potential for even more job losses throughout the value chain.
Solidarity's Willie Venter said retrenchment consultations continue with the union.
Venter said the effort to assist retrenched employees for alternative means of employment.