Liberty Steel Liège’s bankruptcy was predictable – IndustriAll Europe

The announcement of the bankruptcy of the Luxembourg-based Liberty Steel Liège steel plant is a sad but expected outcome of a long period of irresponsible corporate governance and political inaction by Liberty Steel Group. This was stated by the European trade union organization industriAll Europe, which strongly condemned the situation that jeopardized the jobs of more than 550 employees and hit the production capacity of the European steel industry.

IndustriAll Europe Secretary General Judith Kirton-Darling noted that the company has systematically failed to fulfill its promises regarding investment and industrial activity. As a result, hundreds of workers in Liège have been left in uncertainty for years, and in recent months, without salaries and agreed benefits.

The situation is similar at other Liberty Steel facilities in Europe, where workers have also faced injustice and lack of protection. Meanwhile, the company’s management remains unable to be held accountable for its decisions.

IndustriAll Europe emphasizes that a threat of this magnitude could have been avoided. Back in January 2024, the trade unions issued a direct warning to the European Commission, but no action was taken.

“What we are witnessing today is a slow-motion industrial disaster that could have been prevented. Now, more than ever, we must stand firm to defend workers, support affected families, and preserve Europe’s industries,” Kirton-Darling emphasized.

IndustriAll Europe expressed solidarity with Liberty Steel employees in Liège and other countries, reaffirming its determination to fight for a fair and safe future for European industry.

In early February 2025, it became known that the bankrupt Liberty Steel Dudelange steel plant had found a potential buyer. The asset manager informed the trade unions that an agreement had been reached with the new owner, who, according to preliminary information, is a Turkish steel company.