SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The mediation talk between Alcoa Inc. and workforce representatives on its Spanish smelter has ended without reaching an agreement. The formal consultation period has now come to an end. The last meeting for collective dismissal ended on 4th August, without being able to reach an agreement. Accordingly, in line with the Spanish regulations, the company has 15 days to announce a final decision on the matter.

The company has been in regular consultations with the San Ciprian Works Council throughout the formal consultation period which commenced in end-June this year. It had put forward several proposals before the workers’ representatives including temporary dismissal through a social program for a period of two years with a possible restart of operations. Another proposal was to find a potential buyer for the smelter facility. However, both were rejected by the Council members.

The U.S.-based aluminum producer had earlier announced its plans to cut the 534 jobs at the plant, in a bid to stop persistent and recurring financial losses. The alumina refinery at the same site was not part of restructuring plans announced by the company.

The estimated annual production capacity of the smelter plant is approximately 228,000 metric tons.