Latest update


Community Union wins confirmation that Q3 & Q4 bonuses will be paid according to current agreements

Corus have agreed to pay both Q3 & Q4 bonus payments according to current agreements. This is a significant victory which shows Corus have heard our arguments about bonuses rolling over. Members should receive their Q3 payments in their January pay.

Please follow the link below to read the letter that I sent to Corus Director of Industrial Relations Barry Patrick confirming this. Corus to Pay Q3 & Q4 Bonuses

There should be no mistake; Corus are making these payments only because your union, Community, was prepared to take action either in the workplace, where members were balloting for industrial action, or in an employment tribunal, where we had lodged the biggest employment tribunal claim on record. The united front that your union was able to present, based on the overwhelming support that we received from members across the UK, allowed your union to make a very strong case.

Llanwern 3

Unfortunately, some of our disputes with Corus remain unresolved. There is one case in particular that goes to the heart of what we do as a union. Three Community reps who worked at Llanwern were unfairly selected for redundancy because they were active trade unionists. This is not just Community's view; this is the view of an employment tribunal. Corus is still refusing to reinstate the 'Llanwern 3'.

We've demanded that Corus do the right thing but the company isn't listening at the moment. So we're launching a campaign to reinstate the Llanwern 3. You can help by signing our petition today:

Support trade union reps in Corus - sign the Llanwern 3 petition

Pay Claim

Your Union will be pressing Corus to recognise the sacrifices that you made in both 'weathering the storm' and 'fit for the future'. These cost savings were enormously important and amount to hundreds of millions of pounds for Corus during this recession and your union will be preparing a claim that recognises your contribution.

Community will do everything possible to ensure, that as the steel market picks up and the economy begins to recover, that the sacrifices that you, your colleagues and your families have made is recognised and rewarded.

The Joint Standing Committee and the Strip Trade Board will be meeting in the coming weeks to formulate pay claims. I also had a very positive meeting with Port Talbot representatives last week.

Again, this effort will succeed or fail depending upon the support that you are willing to show for each other. The last year has shown that when we are willing to stand together and speak with one voice, Corus listens. Whether it is winning back your bonus, defending terms and conditions or protecting your pensions, we are stronger together.

Pension Update

Members shouldn’t forget that it was a year ago that Corus announced their desire to close the pension scheme to new members. This would have been the thin end of the wedge towards closing the scheme entirely, potentially leaving every working member as a deferred pensioner and unable to access their pension until age 65.

Today, the pension scheme remains unchanged. It stays open to new members as a result of the widespread opposition to closure from the shop floor. Your union, Community, has consistently sought to negotiate an agreement that would protect your right to retire comfortably. Community has demanded that Corus present alternatives to closing the scheme to new entrants. Your union is currently waiting for Corus to respond.

Teesside Cast Products

The situation at Teesside Cast Products (TCP) remains unresolved. TCP was thrown another lifeline last week as steelmaking was extended into February.

Your union, Community, remains involved in efforts to save TCP. Last week General Secretary Michael J. Leahy OBE joined Community Branch Secretary Geoff Waterfield to present evidence to the Parliamentary North East Regional Select Committee.

I would like to thank all members for their support over the last year. This recession was the direst threat to the Steel Industry of the post-war years. It was through the dedication and sacrifice of our members that has now positioned Corus to prepare for an economic recovery.



Yours in Unity

Roy Rickhuss

Community Union,

National Officer for Steel