Home » Business News • UK Business News • UK Employment news » Strike Threatens Early Shutdown Of Tata Steel Port Talbot Plant

Strike Threatens Early Shutdown Of Tata Steel Port Talbot Plant

By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted July 1, 2024

Tata Steel may be forced to shut down operations at its Port Talbot plant by July 7 due to a strike initiated by the trade union Unite.

The shutdown would affect around 2,800 workers at the plant in Wales.

The company had initially planned to close one blast furnace by the end of June and the second by September.

However, the upcoming strike, scheduled for July 8, has prompted concerns about maintaining safe and stable operations.

This could lead to a potential earlier shutdown.

Unite has dismissed Tata's announcement as another in a series of threats, insisting it won't be deterred.

The Welsh government has opposed closing both blast furnace.

Approximately 1,500 workers are set to begin an indefinite strike over Tata Steel's plans to cut thousands of jobs.

Tata Steel had warned the strike might compel it to expedite its closure plans due to safety concerns.

A Tata spokesperson stated the company would challenge the validity of Unite’s strike action through legal means.

They are concerned operations cannot be safely and stably maintained during the strike.

If this is the case they will have no choice but to halt heavy-end operations, including the blast furnaces.

"Tata putting out a statement to shut or pause its blast furnaces three months earlier than they intended to is the latest in a long line of threats that won't deter us"

The company reiterated its prioritization of safety.

It urged Unite to withdraw the strike and consider its proposals, which include support packages and training for affected employees.

Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, said the union is fighting for the steel industry's future and has secured investments from Labour to protect jobs.

Need Career Advice? Get employment skills advice at all levels of your career

She added: "Tata putting out a statement to shut or pause its blast furnaces three months earlier than they intended to is the latest in a long line of threats that won't deter us.

"The Unite campaign is not about selling jobs, it's about securing the long-term future of steel making in this country for thousands of workers in Port Talbot and South Wales."

Unite called on decision-makers in Mumbai to recognise the benefits of the secured investment for both the company and workers.

The GMB union has also urged Tata to reconsider its decision.

Follow us on YouTube, X, LinkedIn, and Facebook