A potential strike looms over Tata Steel’s UK operations as a prominent union secures support for industrial action. Community, with a membership of over 3,000 individuals, has reported an 85% approval rate for fighting against the India-owned company’s announced plans to cut up to 2,800 jobs. The majority of these job losses would occur at the country’s largest steelworks facility in Port Talbot, South Wales.
Tata Steel had previously confirmed its intentions to shut down the blast furnaces at the plant, citing a need to reduce emissions and costs. This decision was made despite a proposed alternative plan by the Community, GMB, and Unite unions, which asserts that it would improve productivity and protect jobs throughout the supply chain. These unions argue that Tata’s proposals would result in the loss of the UK’s last remaining “virgin” steelmaking facility and render thousands of jobs obsolete without just cause.
The possibility of industrial action had already been supported by members of Unite. Alun Davies, national officer for steel at Community, stated, “Today, our members have made their stance clear on Tata Steel’s job cut plan, and they have voted in favor of demanding better treatment for the workforce.” He also noted that the vote was conducted among over 3,000 members from all of Tata Steel’s UK production sites, and the majority voted in favor of industrial action despite the company’s attempts at intimidation and threats to reduce redundancy payments. Davies added that the union will now consult with its members on the next course of action and urged Tata Steel to reconsider its position and return to the negotiating table to prevent a major industrial dispute.
Responding to the news, a spokesperson for Tata Steel stated, “After announcing our plans to invest £1.25bn and restructure our UK business in January, we initiated a formal information sharing and consultation process with our Trades Union colleagues. This process is ongoing, and we are committed to maintaining an open, collaborative, and constructive approach.” The spokesperson also mentioned that on March 22nd, the company proposed an improved and comprehensive package of support for impacted employees, with an additional commitment of £200m this week. However, Tata Steel expressed disappointment over the decision of some Community Union members to consider industrial action, including strikes, if an agreement cannot be reached on the future of the business and its employees. The company reiterated its stance that while the recent investment commitment with the UK government ensures a sustainable future for low-CO2 steelmaking in the country, the current state of the business is unsustainable, reporting daily losses of over £1m.
