Nia Griffith MP with Union reps outside TATA steel Llanelli
MPs have stressed to TATA Steel bosses that they want to see the current pensions dispute resolved to the satisfaction of all. Last week at a meeting in Parliament convened by Nia Griffith MP, secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Steel Group, MPs emphasised to Karl Köhler, CEO of TATA Europe, the gravity of the strike threat, the first for over 30 years and the urgent need for all sides to get back round the table.
Speaking after the meeting, Nia Griffith said,
“We made it very clear to Karl Koehler that we want to see a conclusion to this dispute that is satisfactory to all, which recognises the very significant loyalty and collaboration from the workforce in adapting to change and helping to make the company as modern, efficient and as competitive as possible, and the importance of early retirement for steelworkers because of the physically demanding nature of their work.”
On the eve of the Unions beginning action with an overtime ban and work-to-rule beginning at 6am on Tuesday 16 June, news has come through that Tata Steel UK Ltd has launched a new initiative in its efforts to resolve the pension dispute with its UK trade unions. The company has approached ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) to help facilitate the next phase in talks between the parties.