TSUK approaches ACAS to resolve pension dispute

14 June 2015

Tata Steel UK Ltd approaches ACAS in new initiative to resolve pension dispute

Tata Steel UK Ltd has launched a new initiative in its efforts to resolve the pension dispute with its UK trade unions. The company has approached ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) to help facilitate the next phase in talks between the parties.

Tor Farquhar, Executive Director of Human Resources at Tata Steel's European operations, said: "We have contacted ACAS to bring in independent expertise in mediating a resolution to the UK pension dispute. We have requested ACAS to immediately approach the National Trade Union Steel Coordinating Committee to ask them to attend talks."

Industrial action, consisting of an overtime ban and a work to rule, is currently scheduled to start on Tuesday 16 June, with a one-day strike planned for Monday 22 June.

Mr Farquhar added: "We have been talking to the trade unions since November 2014 to develop a fair and sustainable pension scheme for all UK employees.

"The company and unions agree that changes need to be made to tackle the scheme's projected shortfall of up to £2 billion.

"It remains the company's intention to provide a high quality and competitive pension scheme for our employees while continuing Tata Steel's significant record of investing in its UK assets so we can build a sustainable business here."

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For further information contact Rob Simpson on +44 (0)7990 786 531 / [email protected]

1. About Tata Steel's European operations

Tata Steel is Europe's second largest steel producer, with steelmaking in the UK and Netherlands, and manufacturing plants across Europe. The company supplies high-quality steel products to the most demanding markets, including construction, automotive, packaging, rail, lifting & excavating, energy and aerospace. Tata Steel works with customers to develop new steel products that give them a competitive edge. The combined Tata Steel group is one of the world's largest steel producers, with a steel capacity of more than 28 million tonnes and 80,000 employees across five continents.

2. About ACAS

It provides collective conciliation services to help employers and employees' representatives (Trade Unions) to reach agreement on a range of issues affecting groups of employees. In 2013-14 ACAS conciliated in around 850 cases, successfully helping resolve 94% of these. It also helps organisations and Trade Unions with joint problem solving and to negotiate more effectively.