The Government has asked the management of Dunaferr not to lay off any workers while negotiations are in progress, Minister of State for Employment Sándor Czomba announced on Thursday following talks with the company's directors. Management said they would consider the request, he added.

ISD Dunaferr Zrt. confirmed that they had held informal discussions with Mr Czomba on the schedule a framework of negotiations.

The Minister of State stressed that the Government's most important task with regard to Dunaferr is to ensure that as many people as possible are employed at an efficient, prospering company.

He also mentioned that he had held informal talks with company management and trade union leaders on Thursday.

The Government would make an offer for the purchase of Dunaferr after due consideration and after examining the most important parameters, he said, adding however that other options must also remain open and so he is also holding discussions with the employment office in Dunaújváros.

According to a statement by Dunaferr, official negotiations between the company and the Government should commence sometime next week.

(Ministry for National Economy)