Unite pauses Tata strike
Unite has confirmed its current industrial action at Tata in South Wales has been paused, as they enter new negotiations.
The union says the decision follows confirmation from Tata, arising from talks over the weekend, that it was now prepared to enter into negotiations about future investment for its operations and not just redundancies in South Wales, including at Port Talbot.
Unite’s 1,500 members at Tata in South Wales began an overtime ban and work to rule on 17 June and were due to begin an full indefinite strike from Monday 8 July. Both actions have been paused.
Unite General Secretary, Sharon Graham, says, “This is a significant development in the battle to protect jobs and the long-term future of steelmaking in South Wales. Investment from Labour secured by Unite will be key to the future of the site.
'This breakthrough would not have come about without the courage of our members at Port Talbot who were prepared to stand up and fight for their jobs. Workers were simply not prepared to stand idly by while steel making ended and their communities were laid to waste.
'It is essential that these talks progress swiftly and in good faith with the focus on fresh investment and ensuring the long-term continuation of steel making in South Wales.'
Alun Davies, National Officer for Community - the steelworkers’ union, says, 'With thousands of jobs at stake, we welcome Unite’s decision to withdraw their strike action and get back around the table with their sister steel unions.
'Tata confirmed that if the strike was called off they are ready to resume discussions on a potential MOU, through the Multi-Union Steel Committee, which is chaired by Community.'
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