In a significant show of solidarity, hundreds of individuals, including steelworkers, their families, and supporters, gathered in Newport and Port Talbot to protest against the proposed job cuts by Tata Steel, which could see nearly 3,000 jobs lost in South Wales. The protests, marked by a collective determination to fight for the future of steel in the UK, criticized the government's deal with Tata Steel, advocating instead for a multi-union plan. This alternative strategy emphasizes the necessity of decarbonization while ensuring job security and national security. Key figures, including politicians and union leaders, voiced their support for the steel industry, highlighting its importance to the economy and the community's future. The controversy centers around the Tata-Tory electric-arc furnace *only* model, considered a "bad deal" by critics, who argue it risks 2,800 jobs for £500m. The #SaveOurSteel campaign has become a rallying cry for those opposing the plan.
The potential loss of nearly 3,000 jobs at Port Talbot is something that resonates personally with me, as the son of a steelworker. It doesn’t have to be this way. Our steel sector must be a crucial part of our future. My latest @southwalesargus column👇 https://t.co/gTTzQcbp3X
Invest to grow. Securing our energy supply, cheaper bills, creating decent working class jobs, and giving Britain its future back. No wonder the Tories hate it. https://t.co/YfWPOGU7Qx
Here's why I joined the #SaveOurSteel rally today: The multi-union plan accepts commercial & environmental need to decarbonise, but offers a bridge to the future which supports jobs & protects national security. Labour backs it. Tories are paying £500m for 2,800 job losses. https://t.co/Cts6RIuJoY
Today steelworkers, their families & communities gathered in #PortTalbot to reject the bad deal that’s been cooked up between the UK government & Tata, and to back the compelling multi-union plan. We will fight for our future, and we will win. https://t.co/m2bdeUI2Eg
Hundreds of people have joined protests against the proposed loss of thousands of steel jobs in South Wales ✍️: Rod Minchin https://t.co/GqxS9GSA3O
A palpable sense of anger in Port Talbot today - but also of resolve. I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with @CommunityUnion, @GMBWSW, and @UniteWales steelworkers. We all know there is a future for steel worth fighting for. https://t.co/FR007JgY1B
Steel workers don’t only make steel, They are made of steel. We will fight for every job in TATA. In Port Talbot, Llanwern, Trostre and Shotton https://t.co/4dsxRWbUUS
With @PantegAnthony in Newport today standing with steelworkers whose jobs are under threat. The multi-union plan, with a just transition & no compulsory redundancies, should be the way forward. #SaveOurSteel @CommunityUnion @UniteWales @GMBWSW https://t.co/uIhf2GYULx
✊Standing with our steelworkers today in Newport city centre to send a message to Tata and the government. We need our steel! 🧵 (1/2) https://t.co/CbpWgiyOe3
As we march to #SaveOurSteel today, here's just one reason why the Tata-Tory electric-arc furnace *only* model represents a bad deal for steel. It's a high-risk strategy. Instead we need the multi-union plan - it delivers for customers, supports jobs & protects national security https://t.co/X1TiCVccMh
"We're fighting not just for the steel jobs of today, but the steel jobs of tomorrow. We are with you." @RuthNewportWest shows that this isn't just about now. The decisions made by Tata today will have long-lasting effects for our communities. #SaveOurSteel https://t.co/xzNAV8oALj
"The cheapest deal for steel is not the best deal... the economy we have today relies on steel." @vaughangething is absolutely right in his speech to steelworkers in Newport today. We've said it time and time again, we need our steel. #BritainWeNeedOurSteel https://t.co/vLTwAggiOJ
We’re here in Newport. Join us on the march to Save Our Steel https://t.co/xY4EFyNllm