Steel unions Community and GMB say their plan presents an alternative approach to what they describe as a ‘bad deal for steel’ announced by Tata and the UK Government in September.
Under the existing proposals set out by Tata, Port Talbot Steelworks would transition to an electric arc furnace (EAF)-only site.
The unions say that currently it is not technologically possible to make the substrate for tinplate via the EAF route, so switching to this model at Port Talbot would mean the likely closure of Trostre at a cost of more than 700 jobs.
The unions have also noted that this would lock the UK into a single technological approach which is substantially less green than the strategies being adopted by other countries.
The multi-union alternative plan, would see blast furnace production at Port Talbot continue to run until the end of its life-cycle in 2032, while one small EAF and later a second EAF or Open Slag Bath Furnace (OSBF) are constructed.
The plan also recommends the construction of a Direct Iron Reduction (DRI) plant in Port Talbot to fully decarbonise steelmaking and to ensure the UK retains its strategically important capability to produce virgin steel.
Community and GMB say that the multi-union plan can safeguard steel production at Tata in South Wales for generations to come.
Nia Griffith, MP for Llanelli, said: “The multi-union plan for our steel industry is a credible and responsible alternative to the botched proposals put forward by Tata and the UK Government in September.
“Unlike that proposal, which could be devastating for the dedicated workforce at Trostre and the wider industry across the country, these recommendations from Community and GMB point the way towards the just transition for steel which workers have been calling for.”
Lee Waters, MS for Llanelli, said: “A longer transition, means a fairer transition for an industry that is critical to our net zero future. The Welsh Government has been clear and consistent about the need for a proper consultation with time for full consideration of the trade union report into alternative options for a successful future in a stronger, greener sector.
“We can choose to make great steel products in Wales in a dynamic, low carbon industry that is built for the future. The workforce and our future generations deserve no less.”
Roy Rickhuss, General Secretary of Community Union, said: “The multi-union plan, which had been agreed by all the steel unions, can safeguard the future of Port Talbot steelmaking and protect all the downstream plants, and crucially it can be delivered with no compulsory redundancies.
“It is a serious and credible plan developed with the support of the respected industry experts Syndex, who have had access to the company’s confidential information and who have in-depth knowledge of Tata Steel UK having worked with us since 2014.
“Our alternative is ready-to-go and we call on all stakeholders to get on board and back the plan, back our industry and back our steelworkers.”
(Lead image: Tata Steel Europe)
