Salvage our steel jobs, union chief urges ministers
A UNION chief has demanded that the Scottish Government step in at steel plants expected to be axed tomorrow.
John Park, assistant general secretary of the Community Union, urged ministers to pay workers and offer them training grants until a long-term future can be found.
Tata Steel is expected to make a statement tomorrow, with 1,200 jobs at risk UK-wide, including 470 at two sites – Dalzell in Motherwell and Clydebridge in Cambuslang, both Lanarkshire.
Karl Koehler, chief executive of European operations, described the situation as ‘serious’.
The closures would leave the historic Scottish steel industry on its knees.
Mr Park said yesterday: ‘Nicola Sturgeon mentioned the need for a taskforce and that’s something we would support and hopefully play our part in.
‘But there are other things the Scottish Government can do. In particular, look at public infrastructure projects that might come down the line.
‘The company would work with the Government to look at training grants, opportunities to support people through wage subsidy, or a combination of both.
‘Two things could happen. The company could leave people in place to make sure the plant remains in a safe condition. We believe there is a role for the Scottish Government, working with the company and trade unions, to make sure that, if the worst comes to the worst, we can maintain steelmaking in Scotland.’
The former Labour MSP was backed by his party, which believes the Scottish Government has set a precedent with its takeover of Prestwick Airport and interventions in other sectors.
John Pentland, Labour MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, said: ‘When Grangemouth, Fergusons and Prestwick Airport were at risk, the Scottish Government stepped in to provide support and to secure jobs.
‘They need to do the same now – anything less will not be acceptable.
‘This is an iconic industry for our nation and the men and women who work at Clydebridge and Dalzell deserve all possible support.’
It is only three years since Tata failed in a bid to supply steel from its Motherwell plant to build the new £1.4billion Forth crossing. Union bosses believe thousands of tons of material could have been handled by
‘Workers deserve our support’
the Dalzell works, safeguarding scores of Scottish jobs in a deal thought to be worth up to £40million.
Tory MSP Alex Johnstone said: ‘The SNP government have failed to safeguard these jobs. In fact, the steel made to make the new Forth Crossing comes from China.
‘Why did the Scottish Government not award the contracts to the companies who were struggling?’
The Scottish Government insisted it was looking to help workers, but fell short of agreeing to the union’s call to intervene.
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Since last year, when Tata Steel announced the potential sale of its long products division, the Scottish Government and its agencies have been in constant contact with both Tata Steel and the trades unions.
‘We continue to be in contact to explore all possible options to find a viable future for the company’s sites in Scotland.
‘In the unfortunate event of any redundancies, our i nitiative f or responding to redundancy situations, Partnership Action for Continuing Employment, stands ready to offer support for affected employees and to work closely with the company and workforce representatives to provide a tailored package of support, should this be required.’
Mr Park also called for a ‘proper industrial strategy’ for the sector to be developed, insisting the sites could still be successful. He said: ‘We are ready to work with the Scottish Government and potential investors to secure the future of steel in Scotland.
‘For steel to have that future we must secure the skills of the men and women who work in the industry. That is why we are calling on the Scottish Government to support a short- time working programme should that be necessary over the coming weeks.’
Speaking on behalf of the Government, Health Secretary Shona Robison insisted it was too early to commit to a course of action but said ‘no stone would be left unturned’.
She said: ‘We will work with the UK Government, we will work with the unions, with the staff, to look at what can be done. A task force will be established and we will look at what all of the options are.
‘It is probably too early to rule anything in or out at this stage.’
But Marion Fellows, Nationalist MP for Motherwell and Wishaw, warned both governments must work together to help the families affected and keep the plants open.
She said: ‘I will continue to support the workforce at Dalzell and Clydebridge and their families during this worrying time. I will do everything I can to secure these jobs.’