10,000 steelworkers to march on Brussels to safeguard industry

STEELWORKERS from British Steel will join 10,000 of their peers from across Europe in a march to safeguard the future of the industry.

British Steel employees, from Scunthorpe and Teesside, will take part in European Steel Action Day in Brussels on November 9. 

It will see steelworkers call for more measures to protect jobs by tackling the dumping of cheap steel imports, imposing effective trade defence instruments and greater investment in research and development. 

According to industriAll, the European trade union, more than 80,000 steelworkers have lost their jobs across the continent since the economic crisis in 2008, and total employment has dropped to just 340,000 people. 

Paul Martin, British Steel’s Human Resources Director, said: “The problems we have faced for nearly a decade are well documented but they are not just limited to the UK. 

“Steel producers and manufacturers throughout Europe are enduring one of, if not the, most challenging times in their history and there is widespread consensus that more action is needed to ensure we have a sustainable steel industry in Britain and Europe. 

“Our highly-skilled workers make products that are renowned the world over and we are already building a stronger future for ourselves, and our customers, here at British Steel. However, we still need support from governments, at home and abroad, and this show of camaraderie demonstrates how much our industry means to people.” 

Among those taking part in the march will be Paul McBean, multi-union chairman at British Steel’s Scunthorpe site and his colleague from the company’s Teesside Beam Mill, Peter Hobson. 

Paul McBean said: “A vibrant steel industry is vital to the infrastructure of any country but over the last eight years we have seen widespread redundancies throughout the UK and across Europe. 

“The industry has been hit by cheap steel imports, most notably from China, and new laws and rules that increase operating costs for steel plants. It is imperative that action is taken to protect the industry and safeguard thousands of jobs throughout Europe. 

“The strength of feeling throughout the industry is demonstrated by the fact 10,000 steelworkers are set to march on Brussels on European Steel Action Day. And I for one am proud that British Steel employees will be flying the flag for our business, and our industry, at such an important event.” 

Peter Hobson said: “Here in Britain many people are aware of the struggles the steel industry has faced and throughout this period the solidarity of steelworkers has remained resolute. For while we may work for different companies, we all have the same aim – to build a sustainable steel industry.

“And that unity stretches to Europe, where many of our colleagues are facing the same difficulties we face here in the UK. The march will demonstrate to politicians that we are determined to secure the future of our businesses and that we need their support.”