Market Chatter: Steelmaker Acciaierie d'Italia to Put More Employees on Furlough

08:39 AM EDT, 10/18/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Acciaierie d'Italia is looking to furlough more workers at the Taranto plant and related sites in Italy following a court-sanctioned shutdown over environmental concerns, Bloomberg News reported Oct. 17, citing a company document. Subject to discussions with unions and the labor ministry, the Italian steelmaker under state-led administration could place as many as 8,622 workers on furlough by Feb. 28, 2027, almost double the current 4,450. With 90% of the company's employees discharged, 1,004 workers would stay to keep the plant and its assets safe, ensure environmental compliance, and oversee administrative functions. (Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)