Unite will formally notify Tata of its intention to ballot for industrial action, on Friday 1 March, with the ballot opening on Friday 8 March and closing on Tuesday 9 April. Industrial action could therefore begin before the end of April.
The union says its industrial action ballot is a direct result of the announcement last month by Tata that it intends to close its blast furnaces at Port Talbot with the loss of 2,800 jobs, primarily at Port Talbot but also at its Llanwern operation.
Steelworkers’ union Community has also confirmed its intent to ballot for industrial action.
Unite says it has secured investment from Labour for the site, and described Tata’s actions as “incomprehensible”, with this investment around the corner. Unite will be balloting approximately 1,500 of its members.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Tata has failed to halt its disastrous and destructive plans for Port Talbot, the Welsh economy and the UK as a whole. Even though Unite has secured significant Investment for the sites from Labour. Tata’s actions is one of industrial vandalism and will be fought. Unite’s preparations for its industrial action ballot are complete, this will start on 1 March.
“Only determined action can break the spiral of decline that has gripped our steel industry. Demand for low carbon steel is growing and the UK must be at the forefront of the green steel revolution. This is an opportunity to grow jobs not cut them.
“Steel is a foundation industry that underpins a quarter of the UK’s GDP. Becoming reliant on imports in an increasingly unstable world will have disastrous results.
“Our political leaders must shock proof our economy and ensure that Tata’s catastrophic plans are consigned to the dustbin of history.
“Unite’s unremitting focus on its members jobs, pay and conditions means we always fully support them during any industrial dispute, with all the required resources needed, including the union’s multimillion pound strike fund.”
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