8 News Future for Welsh steel plants ‘hangs in the balance’


Lee Waters AM: 'Hobson's choice' for steel workers “IF THERE’S no deal on the


agreed proposal then the future of steel making in Wales will face very dark times,” senior Tata bosses told Labour AMs at a meeting in the Senedd to discuss the recently announced proposal to secure steelmaking in the UK for the next 5 years. The giant steel company agreed


to secure the future of the Welsh sites and to invest £1 Billion across the UK in a proposal following discussions with the trade unions, part of which will include steelworkers support for changes to the company pension scheme. First Minister Carwyn Jones this


week backed the proposal which will both see investment into steelmaking and the closure of the current British Steel Pension Scheme, replacing it with a defined contribution scheme. TATA indicated that they will offer workers opportunities to attend sessions to learn about the new offer ahead of a vote in the new year. Speaking in The Senedd, the First


Minister said: “I endorse the deal. I think it’s a very good deal, compared


particularly to where we were in the spring, when the situation was particularly bleak for steel - the heavy- end steel making in Port Talbot. And it is a tribute to all the hard work that’s been put in by many, many people that we are in a situation now where Port Talbot particularly can look forward. And certainly, I think this deal is a deal that I can certainly endorse and a deal that can provide a future for the plant.” AMs representing areas heavily


dependent on the steel industry met with Mr. Bimlendra Jha, Chief Executive Officer of Tata Steel UK. Aberavon AM David Rees, Newport East AM John Griffiths and Llanelli AM Lee Waters told the senior Tata executive that faith in company amongst workers has been severely shaken by the uncertainty over the last year and the aborted decision by the company to put UK steel up for sale including the works at Port Talbot, Llanwern, Trostre & Shotton. “Many steel workers are unhappy


with the changes to the pension scheme, but it was clear from our conversation that without the change the company will face difficult times


ahead with a possible outcome of the existing pension fund having to go into the protection fund due to the failure of the Westminster government to take action. This will have a major impact upon all in the scheme. It is important that we secure steel making in Wales and that workers’ pensions are protected and we must all work hard to reach that objective,” David Rees AM said. Lee Waters AM added: “Steelworkers are being presented with something of a Hobson’s Choice - take a cut and give the plants a guaranteed future for five years, or vote against and risk the company going into any joint venture in a more weakened state which could result in workers being forced to take a hit on the pension fund anyway.” During a wide-ranging discussion


with the AMs, Tata’s management set out its commitment to keep the UK plants open by investing in the sites in exchange for further efficiency and productivity gains. They praised the turn-around at Port Talbot but highlighted the continuing flux in the market and the challenges of increased costs as the pound falls. Tata also want action on energy


costs and business rates. They told the AMs that if their UK plants were based in Germany they’d be paying £35 Million less in electricity costs. John Griffiths AM said: “Tata feel


that the Welsh Government has taken a fully cooperative stance which has been very helpful. “The UK Government meanwhile


have shown no movement in energy prices and steel was not mentioned at all by the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, in the autumn statement. They, like the trade unions, have only ever sought a level playing field across Europe and want positive action by Westminster to address the higher energy costs they face.”


THE HERALD FRIDAY JANUARY 6 2017


Follow us on Twitter @Llanelliherald


Safwynt Plaid


by Sean Rees, Campaigns Manager


Fairness for our communities THIS week, Plaid Cymru


Leader Leanne Wood made the case for a three-point plan to tackle the wealth inequality that exists within the UK. Leanne called on the Prime


Minister to introduce a cap on public sector pay, legislate on a maximum wage and pass an Economic Fairness Bill in order to prioritise the most deprived areas for infrastructure investment. We strongly believe th


at decisions affecting Wales should be made here in Wales. This will enable us to have more control to protect our communities from the reckless decisions and cuts by the Tories in Westminster. A cap on public sector


pay would help close the gap between the highest and lowest paid within local authorities and other bodies, delivering fairer pay across the board. Plaid Cymru AMs have pushed for this in our National Assembly. The introduction of a maximum wage would tackle


soaring boardroom pay by linking the lowest paid in an organisation to the highest. Percentage pay rises at the top would then have to be matched with pay rises at the bottom of the scale. This would help address the growing wealth inequalities so often found within some organisations, not


just


between them. An Economic Fairness Bill


for the UK would also help to generate local jobs, boost economic growth and enable areas outside London and the South East to prosper. We recognise people are


fed up of the establishment because the establishment have proved they know nothing of the concerns of the ordinary person. Plaid Cymru as always will continue to work hard to provide a positive alternative so we can move our town and country forward. We would like to hear


from you. Please feel free to contact us on 01554 770345 or info@plaidllanelli.wales.


Mystery elf ’s fundraising dash


Vicki Burridge: Holding the mystery money bag with paediatric ward staff


STAFF at the Children’s Ward


of Morriston Hospital are looking to thank a very special festive elf. They received a donation of


£415.15 from fundraiser Simon Morgan who ran all the way from Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli to Morriston wearing an elf costume. After his charity stunt, he dropped


the money off at the GP out-of-hours base at the hospital together with a letter explaining that it was for the children’s ward. But grateful staff know nothing more about Simon and are desperate to


track him down so they can thank him properly for his kindness. Acting lead nurse Vicki Burridge


said: “It was such a kind thing to do, a lovely festive fundraiser and we really are very grateful. "But we don’t how to get in touch


with Simon and we really want to be able to say thanks and let him know what a difference it will make. “If anyone can help us track him down, we would be very grateful.” If you can help, please email vicki. burridge@wales.nhs.uk.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12