Statement from Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and CEO
As we approach the end of the year, I would like to share some thoughts on the current Covid-19 situation, and to emphasise the importance of supporting each other as we continue to navigate these new ways of working and living.
Over the past few months we have seen cases rising again in several regions, particularly in Europe where we are experiencing a second wave, with local restrictions having been re-imposed in response. Given what we all went through earlier in the year, I can well understand if people are finding this difficult to deal with. However, I believe there are reasons to remain calm. Although cases are increasing, this is in part due to increased testing, and fatality rates remain lower than earlier in the year. Doctors and scientists do now have a greater understanding of how the virus behaves, existing drugs have been identified as effective treatments and much progress has been made on a number of vaccines. I also believe that governments are trying their very best to minimise the impacts of partial and full lockdowns, and will try to navigate a path that allows economic activity to continue whilst still prioritising and protecting people’s health.
Nevertheless, it is critically important that we remember everything we have learned about the actions we can take to minimise our risk of catching the virus. It is human nature to follow the rules at first and then to relax our behaviour as time goes on. I think we all know by now what we ought to be doing, so let’s all make every effort to follow the advice and rules and keep ourselves, our friends, our family and our colleagues safe. Wear that mask, wash your hands regularly, carry hand gel and maintain social distance. These actions do make a difference.
It is often the case that crises bring out the best in people, and I have been really impressed by the way that people have bonded together and supported one another. I have heard people say that they feel more connected to colleagues than ever, that they have learnt new skills which make them more effective, and that they have surprised themselves by how they have adapted to very difficult circumstances.
Recognising such positive aspects is very important, and this is something we aim to convey in our current internal engagement campaign, ‘Embracing New Ways’. The campaign invites employees to consider and share how they have adapted to new ways of working, to value what they have learned and discovered during this process, and take pride in their achievements since the start of Covid-19. By doing so, we hope to keep the positive learnings of the pandemic front of mind at a time when many of us face continued adjustments to how we live and work.
I would like to thank everyone at ArcelorMittal for all you are doing to support the company. I remain very proud of our people and proud of what we are achieving together.
Previous statements
CEO statement - July 2020
CEO statement - April 2020