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Lisburn Tata workers strike over pay disparity with UK

Adam Mandeville
BBC News NI
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John Rea, a machine operator at Tata, said the pay has fallen "way behind"

Workers at Tata Steel in Lisburn have continued to strike over a pay dispute.

Union representatives say they have been unable to reach an agreement for Northern Ireland workers.

Clark Davis, senior Unite representative at Tata Steel, said workers "feel underpaid and underappreciated".

Tata Steel said they are "disappointed" that industrial action in Lisburn has proceeded.

Joanne McWilliams, Regional Officer for Unite the Union, described the treatment of workers at the site as "ridiculous", and said the strikes are taking place because of "respect and pay".

"Workers here are paid less than a lot of sites in Britain. Most of our guys are on minimum wage".

Ms McWilliams highlighted the dangerous nature of the work, as well as the highly-skilled nature of the roles.

"It's not being recognised by the company."

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Joanne McWilliams described the treatment of workers at the site as "ridiculous"

In order to address the pay dispute, Ms McWilliams said attempts have been made to talk to Tata management since December 2024.

However, she feels they are not being listened to.

"They cancelled a meeting with us on Tuesday. That's just total disrespect for our members based in Northern Ireland."

Ms McWilliams also highlighted the increasing pressure on workers caused by the rising cost of living.

Last month, the rate at which prices are rising, known as inflation, remained unchanged at 3.4%.

Official figures show the rate at which UK rents are rising is close to a record high, hitting 8.6% in the 12 months to June.

"You're scraping the barrel to try and get your food, your electric, and everything else paid", said Ms McWilliams.

"Tata is huge. They can't turn around to us and say they don't have any money."

Tata Steel were this year given the go-ahead by planners to to build a £1.25bn electric arc furnace at its Port Talbot steelworks in Wales.

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Clark Davis said "feel underpaid and underappreciated"

A Tata Steel spokesperson said: "We have been clear in our disappointment that Unite the Union chose to ballot their members and proceed with industrial action in Lisburn while Tata Steel was engaged with employee representatives from across the UK, which included Unite, in the annual national pay discussions.

"Those pay discussions have just concluded, with all unions recommending acceptance of the proposals to their members, and we have immediately re-engaged with local representatives.

"We are very proud of the strong and positive relationships we have built over many years with our Trades Union partners, and share the common goal of creating a long-term sustainable and successful future for the UK steel industry."

A man wearing a black cap with a white 'Unite' logo. He is also wearing a high-vis jacket. He is standing in front of a group of people, most of whom are wearing high-vis jackets.
Grant Chambers said the workers "need more money" for the work they are doing

Clark Davis, senior Unite Representative at Tata Steel, said that workers are unhappy that "pay keeps getting reduced and diluted by minimum wage going up", while pay remains the same.

"A lot of the men in the workforce do not feel respected.

"They feel underpaid and underappreciated."

John Rea, a machine operator at Tata, said the pay has fallen "way behind".

Mr Rea said working for Tata in Lisburn used to be a good career choice, especially for people supporting young families.

"You used to queue up to get into this job. It was one of the best jobs in the local area."

Mr Rea highlighted the dangerous work involved with the role and said the risk involved does not match the pay.

"I don't think we're getting looked after properly."

Grant Chambers, who has worked at the site for more than 26 years, said the workers "need more money" for the work they are doing.

"All we're asking for is a fair pay deal."