HGV drivers, process and machines operators employed by Tata steel at its Lisburn site only paid minimum wage or just above
Workers employed by Tata Steel will commence an initial 48-hour strike at 08:00 tomorrow [Wednesday 18 June]. The industrial action follows a 100 per cent ballot for strike action. The majority of the approximately 30 person workforce.
Unite is requiring a pay deal that restores pay differentials which have all but disappeared due to low-pay rates being overtaken by increases to the national minimum wage. Tata workers employed at its Northern Ireland site are among the lowest paid by the company in the UK. HGV drivers and process and machine operators, who can use cranes onsite, are paid at or just above the national minimum.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “It is disgraceful that skilled workers are only paid the minimum wage. Tata is a hugely wealthy company that can fully afford to pay its workers fairly.
“In taking this strike action for pay decency, the Tata Steel workers in Lisburn can count on the full backing of Unite.”
The strike will paralyse production of sheet metal and slip coil at the site as well as impacting distribution to consumers in the local economy. If the initial strikes don’t resolve the strike the industrial dispute will further escalate.
Regional officer Joanne McWilliams said: “Tata’s management has brought about this industrial dispute through its longstanding failure to fairly increase pay.
“This strike will shut down production. Tata will very quickly run into difficulties supplying its customers but management can end this strike today if they come forward with a proposal that meets our members’ expectations.”
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview contact Donal O’Cofaigh, Unite campaigns, communications & press (NI). Tel 07810 157926.