UK trade unions seek clarity from Tata group on UK biz

Britain’s National Trade Union Steel Coordinating Committee (NTUSCC) has said it doesn’t endorse the proposals made by the Tata Steel UK management with regard to changes in the pension scheme and future capital investment. NTUSCC, which comprises trade union representatives of Community, Unite and GMB, had met Tata Steel UK management on October 28.
 
It said in the light of the change of guard at Tata Sons, Ratan Tata should clarify the group’s stand on the same.
 
It said the proposals were entirely the company’s and the unions never endorsed them. Business Standard has a copy of NTUSCC’s mail to its members in this regard.

 

“The representatives present unanimously agreed that the company’s proposals, in their current form, are not acceptable and the trade unions cannot support them,” it said. According to the unions, all workers at the UK facility must be entitled to a good pension, which provides for a decent standard of living and peace of mind in retirement after a lifetime of hard work in heavy industry.
 
“We recognise that this continuing period of uncertainty is completely unacceptable, and we have advised the company that in light of this week’s events, Tata must come forward to clarify their intentions regarding the strategic direction of the UK businesses. For more than seven months, our members have gone to work each day fearing for their livelihoods and the security of their families. This cannot go on,” said NTUSCC.

 
Tata Steel had in March announced its plan to sell off its UK operations, which are loss-making.
 
The company has been in talks with Thyssenkrupp for a joint venture but following UK’s vote to exit the European Union, the process lost momentum. Now with the change of chairman at Tata group, trade unions are looking to get more visibility and assurance in terms of their job security.