Wales union movement condemns Tata’s “bad deal for steel”

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• The Wales Trades Union Congress – the body that brings together trades unions representing around 400,000 workers in Wales – has today agreed an emergency motion calling on Tata bosses to get back around the table with steel unions
• Steelworkers spoke in the debate about their fears for the future of Port Talbot, the loss of steel production in the UK and the “offshoring” of jobs   
• Steelworkers said that the company has “turned their back on the workforce” and the community
• Wales TUC Congress has today [21 May 2024] agreed new policy which condemns Tata Steel’s “unforgivable” plans to make thousands of steelworkers redundant.    

The motion stated that unions: “cannot and will not accept the decimation of our proud steel industry and notes the devastating impact Tata’s bad deal for steel would have on our local communities, social services and economies.” 

It referred to the “unacceptable blackmail” by Tata Steel during the dispute, in reference to the company stating the it would withdraw a voluntary redundancy offer if industrial action were to take place.  

All three unions which represent Tata Steel workers in Wales have completed or are in the process of balloting for industrial action, and are urging Tata to come back to the table with better alternatives for the future of Port Talbot steelworks. 

A steelworker speaking in the debate said: “We are united in our resolve and with the solidarity of the rest of the movement, we urge Tata to return to the table with better alternatives for the future of Port Talbot.

“Together, we can forge a future that respects the legacy of Port Talbot and secures a prosperous future for its people.”