Len McCluskey, from the Unite Union, visited our Scunthorpe site yesterday and met with some of Unite’s trade union members and senior management. The visit enabled Len to see first-hand the hard work and dedication that employees have shown to help deliver our transformation plan.
Len toured both the Central Laboratories and the Basic Oxygen Steelmaking plant. He also met with a number of our apprentices at their training centre.
Len said: “I want to thank the team at British Steel for hosting my visit and giving me such a warm welcome. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time out visiting the plants. It’s been great to talk directly to some of our officials and members and recognise the work that has been done here over the past 18 months.
“It was also good to see and hear details about how the business is continuing to move in the right direction.”
The visit was well received by all who met with Len.
Unite Works Convenor Martin Foster said: “Our members have made great sacrifices to support the business and having Len visit them in their place of work and recognise this, has helped boost morale and shows that they have the full support of their union.
“Our industry continues to face many challenges and as British Steel we still have a tough journey ahead of us but we will keep up the fight and use the encouragement Len has given us today to work with the company and meet those challenges head-on, as we always have done.”
British Steel Managing Director Paul Martin said: “It was good to meet with Len and continue the ongoing constructive dialogue that takes place regularly between British Steel management and our senior trade union colleagues.
“The commitment and dedication of our employees has been fundamental in helping us to turn our business round. For those of them that are union members it’s important to have visits from people like Len. Keeping the lines of communication open and transparent between unions, employees and management will continue to be key for us as we move forward.”
Bethany Smith, a second year electrical apprentice, was among those who met Len. She said: “It’s really good to see Len taking an interest in our learning and giving us the opportunity to ask questions.
“It also gives us confidence in the union and how they will support us throughout our careers here at British Steel.”