Steelworkers Demand (Parliament Politic Magazine) – Steelworkers from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have united in a powerful march towards Parliament. They are demanding that the government takes decisive action to improve the industry. The march, initiated by the Community Union, aims to secure increased investment to support the crucial process of decarbonization. Paul McBean, the esteemed multi-union chair of British Steel Scunthorpe, takes an important role on behalf of other workers.
He emphasized the need for ministers to align their efforts with the investments made by steel companies. The government assured its commitment to forging a sustainable, decarbonized, and competitive future for the steel industry. Recognizing the significance of this vital sector, the government is diligently working towards securing a prosperous future for steel all across Europe.
Achieving a Level Playing Field in All Industries
Chris Williamson, an employee at Liberty Steel in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, which operates electric arc furnaces, emphasized the need for a fair and equitable energy pricing system for steel manufacturers in the UK. He expressed the desire of union members to have the same energy prices as their European counterparts. According to Williamson, steel companies in the UK are currently paying two or three times more for energy compared to their European counterparts.
Roy Rickhuss, the General Secretary of Community Unions, highlighted the crucial decision that the government must make regarding the future of the steel industry in the country. He emphasized the significance of the steel industry for Britain, as it is the backbone of our nation.
It is responsible for constructing the roads we drive on, the bridges we cross, the hospitals that heal us, and the schools where our children learn. The government must recognize the importance of a thriving steel industry in our country and take the necessary steps to ensure its sustainability.
Steelworkers Call for Stronger UK Industry Support
Mr. Rickhuss emphasized the pressing need for additional support. He stated that their steel industry is at risk of collapse if they persist in paying significantly higher energy costs compared to our EU counterparts. Furthermore, without government backing, the industry will struggle to achieve decarbonization and make progress towards the net zero targets.”
It is important to know that steelworkers are not seeking handouts; rather, they are seeking fair competition and the preservation of a vital national industry. They deserve an equal opportunity to compete and safeguard a sector of utmost importance to our nation.
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According to the Community Union, approximately 200 to 300 workers from prominent steel companies are taking part in this march. It includes Tata Steel, British Steel, Liberty Steel, Celsa, Marcegaglia, and Outokumpu. The Department for Business and Trade stated support of the Government. They are emphasizing the government’s recognition of the crucial role played by the steel industry in the UK economy. It acknowledged that steel not only sustains local employment but also contributes significantly to overall economic growth.
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Rousing Steelworkers Protest Set to Shake Parliament
Hundreds of steelworkers will gather outside Parliament to stage a powerful protest. They will be shedding light on the alarming statistics that reveal a staggering loss of nearly 150,000 jobs within the industry. The past four decades have given rise to a lot more problems for the workers. According to extensive research conducted by the GMB union, the figures indicate an even more distressing trend. With approximately 80% of positions in the entire steel sector vanishing between 1981 and 2021, things are getting worse.
The UK Government must make a crucial decision regarding the future of the steel industry in our country. Without the support of the Government, workers risk witnessing the demise of Britain’s long-standing legacy in steelmaking.
They must address the issue of exorbitant energy costs. Or else it will place the steel industry at a significant disadvantage compared to our European Union counterparts. Additionally, without the Government’s backing, the industry will struggle to achieve the necessary decarbonization required to align with the Net Zero goals.
The hardworking steelworkers do not seek handouts; they simply desire a fair and level playing field to compete on. Preserving an industry of paramount national importance is their ultimate goal. It is now up to the UK Government to determine whether it wishes to maintain a thriving steel industry within the borders.