Tata Steel workers call first strike for 40 years

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said Tata’s workers were “not just fighting for their jobs – they are fighting for the future of their communities and the future of steel in Wales”.

She said the strikes would continue until the firm “halts its disastrous plans”.

Two other trade unions, Community and GMB, have decided “not to schedule any industrial action before the general election has taken place”, said Alun Davies, national officer for steel at Community.

“If and when we do take industrial action, that decision will be made by Community members, who represent the vast majority of workers impacted by Tata’s damaging plans,” he said.

Unite members at Tata previously observed an overtime ban and “work to rule” – meaning refusing to do work that is optional in their contracts.

Tata has urged Unite to suspend the action and return to discussions along with other unions.

It previously warned it could withdraw the enhanced redundancy packages on offer if workers went on strike.

Chief executive Rajesh Nair said the “most favourable financial package” it had ever offered would not be paid if staff took part in industrial action.

The company plans to build a £1.25bn electric arc furnace to produce steel in a way which is less polluting than traditional blast furnaces, but requires fewer workers.

Tata said the move would secure the future of steel making at the site and the UK government is contributing £500m towards the cost of the project.