The Community and GMB unions have unveiled a plan to safeguard the future of the UK’s largest steel plant, Port Talbot, and protect thousands of jobs.
The unions said their proposal would secure a just transition for the workforce at the plant.
They slammed Tata Steel’s attempts to produce “green” steel.
This includes constructing a single electric arc furnace, which could lead to job losses.
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The unions said their two-phased plan would save over 2,300 jobs over a decade.
They claim it would also see no compulsory dismissals at Port Talbot.
“Port Talbot workers deserve a decarbonisation plan that protects the future of UK steel while safeguarding jobs”
Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss said: “The multi-union plan can safeguard the future of Port Talbot steel-making and protect all the downstream plants, and crucially it can be delivered with no compulsory redundancies.”
GMB general secretary Gary Smith said: “Port Talbot workers deserve a decarbonisation plan that protects the future of UK steel while safeguarding jobs.
“The multi-union plan offers a credible path to this future.
“It’s feasible, open to proper scrutiny and crucially avoids any non-compulsory redundancies.
“It’s the plan Port Talbot workers want – now unions, Tata and the Government need to make sure it’s implemented.”
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Sarah Jones, shadow minister for industry and decarbonisation, said: “It is welcome to see Tata engaging with a multi-union process around an alternative proposal for Tata Steel UK.
“There can be no route to green steel without proper engagement with the workforce to ensure we do not simply ship our emissions and jobs overseas.
“Labour is hopeful all parties can reach a solution in partnership with workers and industry, investing in a range of technologies to decarbonise steel and build the jobs and opportunities for the future of the UK steel industry.”
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Unite has put forward proposals to avoid redundancies at Port Talbot.
A Tata Steel spokesperson said: “Tata Steel has an agreed and well-established multi-union Information & Consultation arrangement for matters potentially affecting the company – The UK Steel Committee.
“Senior leaders from Tata Steel met with the UK Steel Committee and their advisers on November 17 to start discussions on their proposals. We agreed to further detailed conversations on specific items within their proposal and these discussions are ongoing.”
