EXCLUSIVE: Tata steel workers claim they're facing pressure to reveal strike action plans
A source has told us staff were allegedly pressured into revealing whether they'll be striking or not during a meeting yesterday afternoon
Last updated 7th Jun 2024
We can reveal unions are outraged over claims that workers at Tata's Port Talbot steel plant were allegedly pressured to reveal whether or not they'd be taking part in strike action.
We've been made aware of a meeting that took place between staff and management yesterday afternoon without any union representation present.
We're told the meeting was called yesterday as a 'business update' regarding the consultation period that's leading towards thousands of job losses, but one worker told us that wasn't the case.
Instead, it's claimed they were asked to fill out a form stating whether they planned to take part in industrial action.
This is something which Peter Hughes from Unite has told us he believes is against the law:
"It's harassment and it goes against employment law.
"People have got a democratic right to take part in industrial action, which our members have voted overwhelmingly to do."
The GMB Union and Unite have already announced planned industrial action in protest at Tata's proposals to close and replace blast furnaces with more environmentally friendly alternatives. The company says up to 2,800 jobs could go as a result of that move.
Tata Steel response
A Tata Steel spokesperson said: “We have put forward the most generous employee support package in our history, which is still being considered by two of the three trades unions. No union has declared strike action.”
They went on to say: “We do not recognise the events as described. To ensure our people stay safe it is critical for us to understand the nature and extent of any intended industrial action so we can put in place appropriate cover or stop operations. Our own people are the first to recognise the necessity of this safety-first approach.”
“We have written to Unite union three times regarding substantial irregularities and errors in their ballot and we are considering our next legal steps, which could include court action. We are reminding all employees of the nature of their employment contracts such that no-one takes any action that may inadvertently put them in breach of that contract.”
Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.