Union says plan to avoid Tata job losses is rejected
UNIONS say their alternative plan to avoid thousands of job losses at Tata has been rejected by the steel company.
The Community trade union criticised the decision not to accept the unions’ “credible alternative” to the company’s “bad deal for steel”.
Unions met the company in London on Thursday with another plea not to press ahead with its proposals for its plant in Port Talbot, South Wales, which will lead to the loss of jobs.
Tata Steel has insisted its £1.25bn plan for a state-of-the-art electric arc furnace in Port Talbot would be the largest investment in the steel industry for decades and would secure the future of UK steelmaking.
“It would protect the majority of jobs, reduce the UK’s carbon emissions by five million tonnes a year and could kickstart a green industrial revolution in South Wales,” said a spokesperson.
Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss said after the meeting: “It’s incredibly disappointing that Tata have chosen to reject the multi-union plan, which is an ambitious and viable alternative to their destructive bad deal for steel.
“We do not accept the company’s assertion our plan was too expensive – in fact, it would have returned the company to profits, and the additional capital expenditure needed to make it a reality could have been funded by an additional £450m from the government – a drop in the water compared to what other European countries are investing in their domestic steel industries.
“Tata have made their decision, and our members will decide on our collective response.
“Tata made a proposal to negotiate a package with the unions to give us firm assurances on jobs and future investment, and we will consult our members on how we proceed
“We want to make one thing absolutely clear to the company: this isn’t over – not by a long shot.
“We will never stop fighting for our jobs, our industry, and our proud steel communities.”
Members of Community and the GMB are being balloted on whether to strike over the plans.
Unite members have already voted in favour of industrial action.