Infighting among unions is posing a threat to efforts to save thousands of jobs in the steel industry, particularly at the UK's largest steel plant in Port Talbot, owned by Tata. Plans being considered by Tata include 3,000 job cuts, and a deep rift has emerged between Community and GMB on one side and Unite on the other.
Unite has withdrawn its support for a collaborative, cross-union approach to negotiations. Community, the largest steel union, has reportedly invited Unite leaders to a meeting next week to address these internal divisions.
Last month, Tata informed all unions about plans to close both blast furnaces at the Port Talbot site and replace them with a more environmentally friendly Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) over the next three years. While this move is intended to facilitate greener steel production, Tata acknowledged that it would result in the loss of between 2,500 and 3,000 jobs.
Initially united in their fight against job losses, the unions have now experienced a significant and bitter rift. Senior officials at Community and GMB, along with some members of Unite, have criticised Unite's position as "reckless."
Sharon Graham, Unite's general secretary, has been singled out for having an "unrealistic" approach to the dispute. However, a spokesperson for Unite defended Graham, stating that her record speaks for itself.