Steel unions demand start to negotiations
STEEL unions ramped up pressure today on Teeside Cast Products’ parent company Corus, which it has given until Monday to open what it described as “good faith” negotiations with potential buyers for the plant.
National leaders of the four main steelmaking unions are due to meet after the weekend to decide whether to ballot for industrial action in support of TCP.
They have become increasingly frustrated by Corus chief executive Kirby Adams, who also came in for heavy criticism by MPs on the North East Regional Committee of inquiry into the steel crisis or being elusive and uncooperative - a charged denied by TCP MD Jon Bolton.
Community Union general secretary Michael Leahy said: “Time is running out for Teesside, yet Corus seem to continue to just defend their decision (to mothball).
“Despite close to 1,600 redundancies and the loss of key skills which will cripple the potential for future growth in the industry, Corus seem to simply be going through the motions.
“Community Union is again calling upon Corus to demonstrate good faith negotiations with the interested parties to keep Teesside a going concern. The lack of action from Corus is a deliberate slap in the face to every loyal and dedicated steel worker across the country.
“Reluctantly, Community and the other trade unions will continue to explore the potential for ‘last resort’ industrial action.”
The National Steel Co-ordinating Committee will meet on Monday discuss the progress made by Corus in negotiating a deal with what are believed to be three live bids, including a group of investors based in the North-east.
The NTUSCC comprises representatives from across Corus and from all the representative trade unions including majority union Community, Unite, the GMB and UCATT.
