Teesside march draws thousands to save steel
Saturday 18th July saw thousands from the local community march through the streets of Redcar in support of steelworkers at the local Corus Teesside Cast Products (TCP) plant. TCP is under threat of closure putting at risk 1,922 jobs as well as thousands more in downstream industries and the local community.
Community Branch Secretary Richard Green said:
‘Steelmaking on Teesside has been at the heart of this community for over a hundred years. It is great to see thousands of members of the public come and show their support for steelworkers in the worst recession of the post war years. ‘
Community National Officer for Steel Roy Rickhuss said:
‘This march sends a clear message to the government that it is time to support the steel industry. . Steel is the key to a productive manufacturing industry, and we are calling for the government to develop a manufacturing strategy which supports the steel industry.
‘The
government has helped the bowler hats, now it’s time to help the hard hats’
The March began at the Majuba Rd Car Park and finished at the Redcar clock. After the March there were speeches from Community Union’s National Steel Officer Roy Rickhuss, Redcar MP Vera Baird, Cllr. George Dunning, Leader of the Redcar and Cleveland council, Cllr Mark Hammond, Kevin Rowan of the Northern TUC and other union speakers.
See Community's Roy Rickhuss speaking to the BBC during the march here.