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8 January, 2001The ISTC maintains its support for members being threatened with compulsory redundancy.
GREAT BRITAIN: Britain's steel union, the Iron & Steel Trades Confederation, which is affiliated at global level to the International Metalworker' Federation, held discussions yesterday, January 8, 2001, with top management at Corus regarding the company's current problems.
Since last summer, Corus, a major European producer of steel and aluminium, which was formed in 1999 through the merger of British Steel with the Dutch firm Hoogovens, has been warning of possible job cuts -- perhaps as many as 4,400 -- as it seeks to reduce costs. The company says it is trying to offset the harmful effects on its sales of a still too weak euro versus the British pound.
Leading the ISTC delegation for the talks was Michael Leahy, the union's general secretary, who declared that "we are glad Corus is reconsidering its position on the issue of compulsory redundancies, contracting out and other manpower issues. The meeting has made real progress. However, it is our intention to continue with the ballot for industrial action at Scunthorpe. In Teesside, ISTC officials will meet to decide whether to have a mass meeting of members at the weekend. This meeting could result in Teesside also requesting a ballot for industrial action. Other ballots may take place if notices of compulsory redundancies are received elsewhere." The union hopes these informal contacts with Corus will help resolve the issue of compulsory redundancy prior to any decision to go through with industrial action. Nevertheless, Leahy stated that the ISTC "continues to support members where compulsory redundancy and contracting out are threatened."
Since last summer, Corus, a major European producer of steel and aluminium, which was formed in 1999 through the merger of British Steel with the Dutch firm Hoogovens, has been warning of possible job cuts -- perhaps as many as 4,400 -- as it seeks to reduce costs. The company says it is trying to offset the harmful effects on its sales of a still too weak euro versus the British pound.
Leading the ISTC delegation for the talks was Michael Leahy, the union's general secretary, who declared that "we are glad Corus is reconsidering its position on the issue of compulsory redundancies, contracting out and other manpower issues. The meeting has made real progress. However, it is our intention to continue with the ballot for industrial action at Scunthorpe. In Teesside, ISTC officials will meet to decide whether to have a mass meeting of members at the weekend. This meeting could result in Teesside also requesting a ballot for industrial action. Other ballots may take place if notices of compulsory redundancies are received elsewhere." The union hopes these informal contacts with Corus will help resolve the issue of compulsory redundancy prior to any decision to go through with industrial action. Nevertheless, Leahy stated that the ISTC "continues to support members where compulsory redundancy and contracting out are threatened."