Tata Steel, a subsidiary of Tata Group, is set to lay off approximately 2800 employees at its UK operations as it transitions to a greener steelmaking process. In response, about 1,500 employees of Tata Steel workers based in Port Talbot and Llanwern in Wales will begin an all-out indefinite strike action against the company’s decision to cut jobs and close its blast furnaces. The protest is reportedly set to start from July 8. Unite the Union said it was the first time in 40 years that steelworkers in Britain had gone on strike to seriously affect Tata Steel UK’s operations. The Union members have already started their preparation for the protest.
In its press release, Unite the Union stated its plans, “Around 1,500 workers at Tata’s Port Talbot and Llanvern-based offices will begin an indefinite strike to protest the company’s plans to cut 2,800 jobs and close its blast furnace.” The Union’s general secretary, Sharon Graham said in an interview that Tata’s workers are not just fighting for their jobs, but also for the future of their communities and the steel industry in Wales. The Union claimed that the strike would continue until Tata stopped its destructive plans.
“Unite is backing Tata’s workers to the hilt in their historic battle to save the Welsh steel industry and give it the bright future it deserves,” said Union General Secretary.
The union said that the opposition Labour Party has urged the Mumbai-headquartered steel company to halt its plans and hold talks with the newly elected government after the July 4 general election. He said the Labour Party has also prioritised emergency talks with Tata if it wins the election. The Unite Union has claimed that the Labour Party has pledged GBP 3 billion for UK steel if elected next month. The emergency talks with Tata Steel will be a priority for the Labour Party if they win the election, added Unite Union.
Tata Steel said that they are disappointed by the move and are calling on the union to suspend industrial action. Tata Steel is set to introduce the electric arc furnace at Port Talbot steelworks in Wales. It is expected to create jobs and reduce carbon emissions.
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