Tata Steel has increased its timetable in anticipation of the strike and halted operations at its Port Talbot facility in Wales by July 7. As PA media reported today, workers at the factory have been notified of the sudden shutdown. The decision comes ahead of the July 8 planned indefinite strike by nearly 1,500 workers. The strike is in response to Tata Steel’s plan to close two blast furnaces, eliminating 2,800 jobs.
The company, which did not comment on the report at the time of publication, had already announced the closure in January. The move is part of Tata Steel’s strategy to restructure its loss-making UK operations by switching to electric arc furnaces, which are expected to reduce carbon emissions. The move is being supported by a £500 million investment from the UK Government.
The Unite union last week revealed plans for a strike by workers following the job cuts announcement. The shift from Tata Steel Blast Furnace to Electric Arc Furnace technology marks a significant change in the company’s manufacturing process. The early closure of the Port Talbot factory marks a key moment in this transition.
Reuters contributed to this article.
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