BNamericas reported that workers at Venezuelan steelmaker Sidetur, a subsidiary of local steel company Sivensa, have called on the labor minister to mediate in the conflict and settle a month long strike.

A Sidetur employee told BNamericas that "We still haven't heard from the company. As a last resort we contacted the Bolívar state labor authority to intercede on our behalf with the company and reach an agreement that will allow us to resume operations.”

Operations at Sidetur have been suspended since mid March due to a strike at the Puerto Ordaz plant where workers are demanding compensation for health and safety issues.

Sidetur halted operations when officials from Inpsasel Venezuela's labor safety, health and prevention institute came to the plant and certified that the company is still not meeting safety and hygiene requirements.

The workers, who are refusing to work in such conditions, have also asked the government to nationalize the plant but so far have not received any response.

(Sourced from BNamericas)