Corus warned it could face UK-wide strike over mothballed plant

THE prospect of a strike ballot among thousands of steel workers in protest at the mothballing of a factory has moved a step closer.

Union leaders are urging steel giant Corus to seek a buyer for the Teesside Cast Products plant in Redcar or face the threat of a national dispute. The firm has started mothballing the site, threatening 1,600 jobs, after a consortium pulled out of a long-term contract.

The Community union said hundreds of redundancy notices had been issued, warning the "clock was ticking" for Corus to avoid industrial action.

Michael Leahy, the leader of Community, said: "We remain to be convinced about the progress that is being made and we understand compulsory redundancy notices have been issued, which does not demonstrate a commitment to the future of Teesside.

"This is not just about Teesside but it is also about the future of the UK steel industry."

Keith Hazlewood, national officer of the GMB, said: "Corus has shown a pattern of contempt for its workforce and the unions, and industrial relations are at an all-time low."