5000 at Steel Rally

5,000 workers and their families sent a powerful message to the Government with the Save Our Steel march and rally in Redcar yesterday. (Saturday)

They demanded help for the struggling Corus plant which is the major employer in Redcar, Cleveland, and a key industry for Teesside.

Two thousand jobs could go at the 150-year-old steel plant after a consortium pulled out of a 10-year contract to buy its high-quality product.

MPs called on the Government to bring forward major projects which need steel, to boost Corus's order book while negotiations to find a buyer continued.

Bob Stainthorpe deputy chairman of the multi-union committee at the plant, spoke at the rally, and said "It just shows the public support we have," he said. "People came from all over the country to be here, and it tells us that we are not alone. We have sent out a powerful message today. It would be an absolute tragedy if nothing was done to save us. It would tear the heart out of the community."

Marchers included Unite, Community, GMB, Ucatt members as well as supporters from the local port and Teesside's chemical industry, as well as steelworkers and their families.

Unite Joint General Secretary Derek Simpson said: "In a show of defiance Unite members are marching to demonstrate that 150 years of iron and steelmaking in Teesside matters. The loss of the Corus plant will rip the heart out of this local community. The thousands of workers at Corus must be supported in order to maintain a viable world-class industry in the future."

One of the banners carried by workers read: "Mr Brown you have helped the banks, your MPs helped themselves to public money, now help us to Save Our Steel."

Bob Bolam, Unite regional officer said: "This is not a protest. What we want is the Government to get involved to ensure that steel production on Teesside is maintained."