This week at the International Metalworkers Federation executive meeting in Geneva, Workers Uniting is calling for support for the 1,700 Corus steelworkers from Teesside in the UK facing redundancy.

The global union also called for more government intervention to support the steel industry in the UK, United States, Canada and elsewhere where workers are facing job losses because of globalisation.

Workers Uniting is a partnership between Unite the union from the UK and Ireland and the United Steelworkers, from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

On 4 December Corus announced it would mothball its Teesside plant by the end of January 2010 with the loss of 1,700 skilled jobs. The announcement follows a decision by a consortium of four companies taken in April 2009 to pull out of a 10-year agreement to buy 78 percent of the plant’s production.


Terry Pye, Unite National Officer, said: "Globalisation compounded by the world recession is acting against national interests around the world. Governments’ need to actively intervene to support industry, skills and jobs.

"The tragic news that 1,700 steelworkers face redundancy at Corus in the UK is proof of why the UK government should do everything possible to keep a steelmaking infrastructure in Teesside and preserve the valuable skills of the workforce. These jobs are not being lost because the site was uncompetitive, but because of a world recession. The demand for steel will eventually return and unless there is government action the UK won't even be able to compete for the work. Germany is a fine example of a successful economy that supports its industry, regardless of what the 'free marketeers' say, it works."

(CD/BMcC)