Turmoil within unions is risking efforts to safeguard thousands of jobs at the UK’s largest steel plant, Port Talbot.
The plant owned by Indian conglomerate Tata, is considering cutting 3,000 jobs and transitioning to a more environmentally friendly Electric Arc Furnace (EAF).
However, a rift has emerged between Community and GMB on one side and Unite on the other.
The row has led to Unite withdrawing support for a collaborative union strategy.Â
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Unite is insisting on zero redundancies.
However, this contrasts with the proposal by Community and GMB to close the oldest blast furnace, preserving 2,300 jobs.
All three unions responded jointly to Tata’s plans with proposals prepared by consultants Syndex.
Community represents about two-thirds of workers.
Unite, which represents less than a third, initially suggested closing the oldest blast furnace while keeping the younger one active until 2032.
Unite has since withdrawn its support.
It is now advocating zero redundancies and keeping both blast furnaces operational indefinitely while constructing a larger EAF.
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Unite’s secretive approach to its plan, including restricting access to the proposal at a November meeting, has fueled tensions.
Accusations of recklessness have been leveled against Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham.
Community and GMB officials and some Unite members view Unite’s position as “unrealistic” and “in bad faith.”
Despite ongoing government negotiations with Tata and the potential for a £500 million support package, conditions for its utilization remain a point of contention.
