Tata Steel talks collapse amidst threats of immediate redundancies
NEGOTIAT I O N S between steel unions and Tata Steel hit a roadblock, leaving thousands of jobs at risk. The breakdown in talks was announced by Roy Rickhuss, the General Secretary of Community, expressing deep disappointment in Tata’s propositions.
R ickhuss criticised Tata for presenting proposals deemed “completely unacceptable” by the unions. He accused the company of prioritising profit over job security, highlighting their intention to slash jobs and penalise vulnerable employees. Despite Tata’s claims of being a responsible employer, Rickhuss asserted their failure to engage meaningfully in negotiations.
The National Trade
Union Steel CoOrdinating Committee (NTUSCC), chaired by Rickhuss, issued a scathing statement following the breakdown. The Committee outlined Tata’s refusal to negotiate in good faith, focusing instead on profit maximisation to the detriment of workers and their communities.
Tata’s proposals included the closure of critical facilities, such as BF 5 and BF 4, resulting in immediate redundancies. The offered Voluntary Redundancy (VR) packages fell short of expectations, with no guarantee against compulsory redundancies. Moreover, Tata’s stance on job retention and training schemes drew sharp criticism from the unions.
Rajesh Nair, representing Tata, faced accusations of an indifferent attitude towards the workforce. The company’s refusal to address concerns about job security and the VR package further strained relations with the unions.
Rickhuss, alongside Peter Hughes of Unite and Charlotte BrumptonChilds of GMB, asserted unity among the unions against Tata’s uncompromising stance. They urged members to support industrial action to defend their industry and secure better terms.
The looming threat of industrial action stems from Tata’s reluctance to reconsider its plans despite the potential for widespread job losses. Unite General
Secretary Sharon Graham emphasised the detrimental impact of Tata’s proposed cuts, warning of a ripple effect across the regional economy.
Graham underscored the availability of alternatives for Tata to consider, including Labour’s proposed £3 billion UK Steel investment fund. This fund could safeguard jobs and position the UK as a leader in green steel production.
Unite vowed to stand with Tata’s workers in their fight for a better future, utilising all available avenues to halt the company’s plans.
In response to the unfolding situation, Unite encourages media enquiries to be directed to Ryan Fletcher for further information.
The collapse of talks between steel unions and Tata paints a grim picture for the future of the industry, with job losses looming large and communities facing uncertain times ahead. As tensions escalate, the fate of thousands of workers hangs in the balance, awaiting decisive action to secure their livelihoods.