Corus' Dutch workers seek guarantees

Concerns expressed by Community, the dominant union of Corus workers in the UK, over the impending change in ownership have found an echo in the Netherlands.

The Central Works Council (CWC), the Corus workers' union for its Dutch operations, has demanded firm guarantees for the future of the Ijmuiden-based operation. CWC felt borrowings by the Tatas to finance the deal would create a high debt burden and put pressure on the operations of the Corus group and its Netherlands operations.

The demand comes close on the heels of Community, which represents more than 80 per cent of the company's UK employees, seeking talks with the Tata group to discuss its investment strategy for the Corus business, in particular the UK operations.

Corus employs 7,800 workers in Wales with 3,100 at Port Talbot, 1,800 at Llanwern, 1,000 at Shotton and others at smaller plants in places including Llanelli and Ammanford. Ijmuiden happens to be one of the most efficient steel plants of the Corus group.