Tata Steel workers deliver a resounding vote for action

Workers in the Community union at Tata Steel plants across Britain have voted by almost 90 percent to strike in defence of their pensions.

The result follows yes votes from members of the GMB and Ucatt unions. 

Unite—the second largest union at Tata after Community—was set to announce its result on Friday of this week. Between them the four unions represent 17,000 steel workers.

Tata wants to attack the British Steel Pension Scheme.

This would force workers to retire at 65 instead of 60 to receive their full pension.

Community general secretary Roy Rickhuss said, “We stand on the brink of the first national strike in the steel industry for over 30 years.

“Tata now has an opportunity to end this dispute by removing the threat of scheme closure and discussing alternative measures.

“Community’s members at Tata Steel have now spoken loud and clear. 

“Steelworkers are determined to stand up to Tata.”

Tata has sites in Port Talbot, Llanwern in Newport, Shotton in Flintshire and Trostre in Carmarthenshire in Wales.

Other sites are in Motherwell in Scotland and Corby, Scunthorpe, Redcar, Rotherham, Hartlepool, Walsall and Wednesbury in England.