Tata Steel workers begin action ahead of planned strike in UK

Members of four trade unions are refusing to work overtime before the 24-hour complete strike action on June 22

Tata Steel workers in the UK have begun the work-to-rule action ahead of a planned strike next week over the company’s proposed changes to the British Steel Pension Scheme.

Members of four trade unions are also refusing to work overtime before the 24-hour complete strike action on June 22.

Unite, Community, GMB and Ucatt trade unions had voted in favour of a strike recently, marking the largest industrial action in the UK steel industry for over 30 years.

The unions together represent over 17,000 steel workers who have been told that they may have to retire at 65, rather than 60 under new pension proposals.

Meanwhile, Tata Steel has approached the UK’s independent Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) to help with negotiations with unions on planned industrial action.

“We have contacted ACAS to bring in independent expertise in mediating a resolution to the UK pension dispute. We have requested ACAS to immediately approach the National Trade Union Steel Coordinating Committee to ask them to attend talks,” said Tor Farquhar, executive director of human resources at Tata Steel's European operations. “The company and unions agree that changes need to be made to tackle the scheme’s projected shortfall of up to ¤2 billion.”

The industrial action starts this week with work-to-rule, which is aimed at a slowdown in work activity, as well as a rejection of any overtime and will culminate in a one-day full strike on Monday.