Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced on Sunday the expropriation of Siderúrgica del Turbio (Sidetur), a major producer of steel used in the construction of homes, bridges, and other infrastructure and public works. The president also announced government interventions in several large housing developments.
The Venezuelan government’s measures to reduce national electricity consumption amidst nation-wide shortages and rolling power outages have invoked varied responses from unionists in the basic industries, especially the steel and aluminum sectors.
