'Open for talks if threat of closure of pension scheme is lifted'

Tata Steel will have to live with decision of employee strike if they do not approach us

Employees of Tata Steel UK began voting on a strike on Wednesday over changes in their pension scheme. While the balloting will continue and results will be known on May 29, the unions are also open for a dialogue.

“Provided the company lifts the threat of closure of the pension scheme, we have kept doors open for an adult, mature and professional discussion,” Harish Patel, national officer for steel at Unite, told Business Standard.

Unite is Britain’s biggest union, with 1.42 million members in every type of workplace. However, the unions had not heard from the company, Patel said.

“The workforce is angry and the company knows that. Also, there is going to be no negotiation on the pension scheme. So if the company does not approach us, they will have to live with the decision,” said Patel. “We are positive the ballot will vote for strike.”

According to a union statement, BSPS had 143,000 members in December 2014, with 17,004 employee members and 91,264 pensioners.

Tata Steel is finding it difficult to make its European operations, acquired in 2007, churn big profits amid weak demand and a hostile business climate.