Workers at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot and Llanwern plants have started work-to-rule and overtime ban in response to the closure of blast furnaces. The move comes amidst the company’s shift towards greener production methods, leading to potential job losses and escalating tensions with the workforce.
Workers at Tata Steel have initiated a work-to-rule and overtime ban in response to the company’s plan to close blast furnaces at its largest plant in Port Talbot, South Wales. The steel giant is transitioning to greener production methods, resulting in a need for fewer employees. Unite, the union representing the workers, announced that 1,500 of its members at Port Talbot and Llanwern began the industrial action on Tuesday.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, criticized Tata’s claims about job retention during the transition and warned of future strikes if the plans are not reversed. She also highlighted a £3 billion steel investment fund backed by Labour as a potential alternative solution.
Tata contested the legality of the ballot process and labeled the industrial action as unlawful. The company emphasized that it had twice improved its support package for affected employees during negotiations. Other unions like Community and GMB have not announced any similar actions.
The industrial action highlights the ongoing tensions between Tata Steel and its workforce as the company seeks to green its production footprint.
