Politicians should not intervene in the Tata workers’ ballot over their pension scheme changes, Unite union has said.

Unite workers union has encouraged steel workers not to be influenced by Plaid Cymru's economy spokesman Adam Price who urged those effected by the Tata pension scheme shortfall to reject a move from final salary pensions, the BBC reported.

Following its pension shortfall, Tata asserted that pension reform is necessary to its proposed deal to invest £1bn at Port Talbot over 10 years, following its commitment to secure jobs and production at the Port in December.

However, Plaid AM Price stated that the company was being “opportunistic” and that its workers should urge Tata to reconsider its offer.

The union’s balloting is expected to commence at the end of January.

Unite official at Port Talbot Mark Turner said: "When politicians start making comments on either side, they need to understand what they're doing and the influence they have on people.

"There are personal decisions to make but also the future of the steel industry, there are a lot of things people have to take into consideration. We'd like politicians to keep their opinions to themselves for the time being."

Furthermore Aberavon Labour MP Stephen Kinnock criticised Price, noting that he was “astonished” at the intervention.

"This is a very personal decision that the steelworkers have to make, based on a range of factors. There have been some very impressive proposals from Tata Steel in terms of securing long term future of the works” Kinnock said.

"But on the other hand there are some difficult proposals for the workers to swallow in terms of the pension scheme and the workforce should be allowed to get all the information they need and to vote according what they think is the best thing to do.

"It is not right that any politician should be coming in and meddling in what is a very personal decision."

Share Story: