Tata Steel initiates legal proceedings against UK union for strike request

Tata Steel UK has started legal proceedings against a workers' union for calling a strike without consultation and cautioned of a possible early closure of operations at the Port Talbot plant. The union, Unite, announced a strike on July 8 due to Tata Steel's decision to close blast furnaces sooner than expected. Unite characterized this action as the most recent of many threats and stated that it would not discourage them. The union requested involvement from Tata Steel's senior management to resolve the conflict.

In a statement, Tata Steel said it was compelled to start legal proceedings in response to Unite union's decision to unilaterally call for strike action starting on July 8 and challenge the validity of their ballot. The company did not offer any additional information about the legal proceedings.

A Tata Steel spokesperson stated that if they cannot ensure the safe and stable operation of their assets during the strike, they may need to temporarily halt or cease heavy-end operations at the Port Talbot site.

In January, the closures were revealed as a component of the Indian company's strategy to revitalize its unprofitable UK operations by transitioning to more environmentally friendly electric arc furnaces, which is supported by 500 million pounds ($632 million) in government funding.