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Steelworkers at Tata Steel are poised to take decisive action in response to impending job cuts, as unions gear up to ballot members on potential strike action.
Community, one of the key unions representing steelworkers, has secured formal authorization to proceed with a vote on strikes, while Unite is set to conduct its ballot on 1st March. This move comes in the wake of Tata’s plans to curtail operations at its Port Talbot site, jeopardizing nearly 2,000 jobs.
Roy Rickhuss, head of Community, emphasized the union’s readiness to defend the industry, stating, “Industrial action is always a last resort but Tata’s actions mean we now have to prepare for that eventuality.” He criticized Tata’s stance, accusing the company of undermining the consultation process and pushing toward a “major industrial dispute.”
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, echoed similar sentiments, pledging full support to members during any potential conflict, including access to resources from the union’s substantial strike fund.
Tata’s proposal to reduce emissions by replacing blast furnaces with greener electric arc furnaces has sparked significant unrest among workers. The plan, which entails the phased closure of blast furnaces and subsequent job losses, has been met with staunch opposition from steelworkers and their representatives.
Alun Davies, Community’s national officer for steel, emphasized the detrimental impact of Tata’s plan, labeling it as detrimental to jobs, the economy, the environment, and national security. He reiterated the union’s commitment to resisting measures that endanger livelihoods and the steelmaking capacity of the UK.
In response, Tata Steel defended its restructuring proposals, citing the need to transition to more sustainable technologies amidst significant losses and operational inefficiencies. A spokesperson highlighted the potential of new electric arc furnace technology to sustain the business and meet the demand for low-CO2 steels.
Amidst escalating tensions, both the UK and Welsh governments have pledged support to affected workers. While the UK government has committed £80 million in direct aid, the Welsh government has called for further discussions to explore options for a longer transition period at the Port Talbot site.
As the standoff intensifies, the fate of thousands of steelworkers hangs in the balance, with the prospect of strikes looming large as a means to safeguard jobs and livelihoods in the face of corporate restructuring.
