GMB call for immediate Government action to save Tata Steel jobs
We have to look at nationalising the steel industry, even over a short period of time, to protect these assets says GMB
GMB, the union for workers in the steel industry, commented on the announcement from Tata Steel that it planned to sell off its UK business, putting GMB members’ jobs at significant risk.
The restructuring plan, announced on Tuesday 29th March, will affect GMB members at Tata’s Port Talbot site along with those at other UK plants including those in Rotherham, Corby and Shotton. Tata blamed the "significant increase in third country exports into Europe" and "continued weakness in domestic market demand in steel" for the decision.
UK Business Minister Anna Soubry told the BBC that the government would consider all options to save Tata’s British business, including taking a temporary stake in the business.
Dave Hulse, GMB national officer, said "This is absolutely devastating news for all our members, their families and the local communities. Tata has let the whole of the UK steel industry down.
The plan that was presented to the board deserved to be given time to see if the market improved and it just goes to show what we have thought for a long time, that Tata wanted out and have misled everyone.
GMB members have done everything that has been asked of them and, just when it was needed, Tata lost their nerve.
GMB have been involved in steel meetings over many months with government ministers and all we have seen is crisis after crisis, which demonstrates that these have been nothing more than talking shops.
We have to look at nationalising the steel industry. Even over a short period of time this will be needed to protect the assets. Otherwise, we will end up with the same situation we had with SSI in the North East where the government badly let everyone down.
The government needs to act now and support the steel industry; we are fed up with the false promises. Help is needed now otherwise these communities will never recover from this. Shame on Tata Steel."
