Workers are protesting against Tata Steel's plans to cut 2,800 jobs. About 1,500 Tata Steel workers will begin an indefinite strike next month over the company’s plans to cut thousands of jobs,

the trade union Unite has announced.

This will be the first time in more than 40 years that steelworkers in the UK have taken strike action, according to the union.

Approximately 2,800 Tata Steel workers will lose their jobs when the company closes both blast furnaces in Port Talbot by the end of September. The strike is set to commence on July 8 at Port Talbot and Tata's Llanwern site in Newport.

Tata Workers Demand Job Security

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, stated that Tata’s workers are "not just fighting for their jobs – they are fighting for the future of their communities and the future of steel in Wales." She emphasized that the strikes would persist until the company "halts its disastrous plans."

Unite members at Tata had previously implemented an overtime ban and adhered to a "work to rule" policy, meaning they refused to perform any work beyond what is specified in their contracts.

Tata has urged Unite to suspend the strike and return to discussions with other unions. The company previously warned that it might withdraw the enhanced redundancy packages if workers proceeded with the strike.

Chief executive Rajesh Nair said the "most favorable financial package" ever offered by Tata would not be paid if staff engaged in industrial action.

Future of Steel Production

Tata plans to construct a £1.25 billion electric arc furnace to produce steel in a more environmentally friendly manner than traditional blast furnaces, which require fewer workers. The company claims this move will secure the future of steelmaking at the site, with the UK government contributing £500 million towards the project.