Workers at Tata’s Port Talbot steel plant are set to start industrial action next month, a union has announced.

Unite’s action, which is short of a strike, is in response to plans to close both blast furnaces, with thousands of jobs in South Wales at risk.

The furnaces will be replaced by an electric arc furnace to reduce emissions and costs, but unions have warned 2,800 jobs are at risk due to the plans.

Unite said around 1,500 Tata steelworkers based in Port Talbot and Llanwern, Newport, will start working to rule from 18 June.

They will also be taking part in a ban on overtime.

The union also said it would not rule out strike action if members’ demands are not met and the company’s plans are not changed.

‘Better future’

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Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said Tata had “miscalculated”.

“Its workers know a better future is possible and they will be taking industrial action to fight for it, with Unite using every tool at its disposal to make the company change course,” she said.

“This hugely wealthy company knows UK steel capacity and jobs can be retained as the transition is made to green steel.”

Read more:
Port Talbot’s uncertain future amid cost of going green
Closure will ‘completely smash community to pieces’

A Tata Steel spokesperson said it was “naturally disappointed” by Unite’s announcement.

“We have written to Unite twice during the ballot process, and again this week, to notify them of significant irregularities in the ballot process they have undertaken. We will continue to review and consider our legal next steps,” they added.

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“On 22 March, we put forward a significantly enhanced, comprehensive package of support for employees impacted by the proposed transformation.”

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