STEEL unions appeared to pull back from threatened industrial action over Teesside Cast Products, but said they would canvass opinions among thousands of workers on the future of Corus, which they described as a “company in meltdown”.
The National Trade Union Steel Co-ordinating Committee, which had promised TCP owner Corus a fortnight’s grace to prove it was serious about selling the plant, said last night that it remained to be convinced about progress but the start of compulsory redundancies did not demonstrate a commitment to the future of Teesside.
The two-week ultimatum, directed at Corus CEO Kirby Adams ran out yesterday.
“This is not just about Teesside but it is also about the future of the UK steel industry,” the committee said.
“ 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.’