Unions call for job protection at Tata Steel UK

The National Metals Union Coordinating Committee, which includes representatives from GMB, Unite and the Community, issued a statement saying: “Over the past few months, the company has tried to involve us in delicate discussions about the future of Tata Steel Europe. It is deeply disappointing that Tata is trying to influence these discussions by creating threats in the media and heightening workforce concerns. NTUSCC recognizes that there are challenges at Tata Steel UK, mainly caused by years of underinvestment in assets, and we are open to joint discussions to ensure a sustainable future for the business. "

Furious union leaders said in a statement, “Tata Steel UK employees should not pay the price for Tata's mistakes. However, at the highest levels, we have made it clear to Tata Steel that next steps for Tata Steel UK should include new employment commitments and strategic capital spending commitments to protect the future of UK steel production. ”

Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman of the Tata Sons group, which owns the Port Talbot smelter, says the South Wales facility should be self-sustaining. His intervention sparked new concerns for the future of the plant.