The prospect of a strike across Tata Steel’s UK operations has gained further traction after a key union secured support for industrial action.
Community, which has more than 3,000 members, said 85% voted in favour of fighting the India-owned company’s plans for up to 2,800 job losses, the majority of them at the country’s biggest steelworks in Port Talbot, South Wales.
Tata confirmed last month it was to press ahead with the closure of the blast furnaces at the plant, replacing them with electric arc furnaces to reduce emissions and costs.
In doing so, the company rejected an alternative plan put forward by the Community, GMB and Unite unions that, they said, would raise productivity and protect jobs across the supply chain.
They argued that Tata’s proposals would rid the UK economy of its last remaining “virgin” steelmaking facility and commit thousands of jobs to the scrap heap for no reason.
Members of Unite had already backed the prospect of industrial action.
Alun Davies, national officer for steel at Community, said of its vote: “Today our members delivered their verdict on Tata Steel’s job cuts plan, and they have voted to demand a better deal for the workforce.
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“Community balloted more than 3,000 members across all Tata Steel UK production sites, and more than 85% have voted for industrial action.
“It should be noted this resounding mandate has been delivered in spite of the company’s bullying and unacceptable threats to slash redundancy payments.
“We will now be consulting our members on next steps, and we urge Tata to reconsider their position and get back around the table to head off a major industrial dispute.”
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Tata Steel was yet to comment.
The company has consistently argued its £1.25bn investment would secure the future of UK steelmaking.
Its chief executive and managing director, TV Narendran, said at the time of the investment decision on 25 April: “Having looked carefully at all the options over the past seven months in consultation with union representatives, we have decided to proceed with our proposed restructuring and transition.
“This is the most viable proposal, in contrast to the unions’ unaffordable plan which has high inherent operational and safety risk.
“Our proposal secures a long-term future for the business and preserves the majority of jobs in the UK.”
