Steel industry at risk, claim unions
Mar 16 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal
THE future of the UK's steel industry is in jeopardy, unions anxiously warned last night.
Following last month’s decision by Corus to mothball its steelmaking plant on Teesside, unions met yesterday to discuss whether they should take industrial action as a way of registering their dismay at the decision.
But the unions have now widened the scope of their battle with Corus (which employs more than 20,00 staff in the UK), and declared they are fighting to keep the UK steelmaking industry alive. The unions say they have not ruled out balloting for industrial action.
The National Trade Union Steel Co-ordinating Committee issued a statement which said: “This is not just about Teesside. It is about the future of the UK steel industry.
“There is a pattern of systemic failure to consult with the workforce about major changes within the company and a breakdown in industrial relations.
“We have serious concerns about the leadership of Corus – we see a company in meltdown.
“In the coming weeks all unions, united together, will be getting out across the country to hear our members’ concerns about the future of UK steelmaking. We have still not ruled out balloting our membership for industrial action but this will be an action of last resort and we hope Corus will demonstrate the necessary progress to avoid this outcome.”
Geoff Waterfield, chairman of the multi-union committee at Teesside Cast Products (TCP), said: “We have serious concerns about the future of steelmaking in the UK and are particularly concerned that what has happened on Teesside will happen elsewhere in the UK.”
A total of 1,600 jobs are being shed from TCP, which is being partially mothballed. The redundancy process has already begun.
The joint union statement added: “We remain to be convinced about the progress that is being made and we understand compulsory redundancy notices have been issued, which does not demonstrate a commitment to the future of Teesside.”
Union leaders urged steel giant Corus to seek a buyer for the TCP.
