Double bonus deal at Corus
CORUS workers are to get a double bonus payday in time for Christmas after a deal was struck between union and company leaders.
The decision follows the threat of legal and industrial action against the steel giant by the Community union.
It has been campaigning for Corus to give employees the bonuses they said were due for the first two quarters of the financial year after the company unilaterally stopped the payments.
Community argued the bonus was based on agreements dating back 30 years and was a vital part of steelworkers' take-home pay.
Workers in Port Talbot did not receive their first- quarter bonus. Those at Trostre had, only to be told they would not have a second-quarter bonus.
Port Talbot councillor and steelworker Tony Taylor said he welcomed the decision.
He told the Post: "People within Corus have worked very hard through some trying times over the past few months.
"We have made incredible savings through everyone pulling together in the same direction, so it was a real slap in the face when the bonus was not paid.
"But people have seen sense, and I welcome the fact it is going to be paid. It will come at the right time.
"It is recognition of the hard work the workforce in Port Talbot, and everywhere within Corus, has put in to take the company through very troubled times."
Visit the Business in the Bay website
Community national officer for steel Roy Rickhuss said the union was delighted steelworkers would get the bonus in their next pay.
''This shows the true value of Community membership, because we've led the campaign to win back the bonus," said Mr Rickhuss.
"Community left no stone unturned in seeking a way to get back what our members worked hard for.
"We took legal action, we were preparing for industrial action and we always left the door open for dialogue with the company.
"Community's campaign has won a double bonus payday which will provide at least some comfort for Corus employees as we head towards Christmas. We're delighted Corus has made the right decision to pay our members their dues."
Related articles:
20 Comments
View all
by a wife of a corus worker, llanelli
Thursday, November 05 2009, 1:59PM
“who are these people who run down corus workers, my husband can work up to 20 hours a day 7 days a week an d not even get paid any extra for it, and has to answer the kids cries "why isnt daddy home yet and when they wake up asking where their dad is. corus is a job that might not be here forever so surley the workers and families are welcome to enjoy xmas with the worry of wether they will still be in a job next year!!”
by worker, port talbot
Thursday, November 05 2009, 1:16PM
“To be fair sickness levels at corus are as low as anywhere. Not sure of the exact figure somewhere around 2%. I think the council is nearer to 10%. Then corus workers live in the real world. IE making a product and selling it in world markets. Not many people in this area do that anymore.
I guess if anyone else had their pay cut by 15% they would soon down tools.”
by Hot Mill Slacker, In bed, Baglan Moors
Thursday, November 05 2009, 12:34PM
“Way-hey, this bonus will help play for a nice holiday, and some class a's for crimbo.
May think about returning to work in March - Remember Corus, stress is the new bad back.”
by Worker, Port talbot.
Thursday, November 05 2009, 8:58AM
“Another Corus Worker, Port Talbot.
It's hard to brag when an average steelworker earns less than the national average.
Less than £10/hour for a craftsman, my friend that aint good.”
by Corus apprentice Port Talbot, port talbot
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 8:17PM
“i am an apprentice in the port talbot works and ildon't get paid anywhere in the region of my fellow workers, being an apprentice of course. For those of you that say we don't deserve it, shutup. I have 2 kids and for me this bonus will see them through a good christmas. It has been a trying time for me throughout this recession and the bonus meant a small bit of financial aid evvery few months and now it sees a good christmas. Why wish misfortune on people who are finally starting to get good luck come their way? Just a bit childish don't you think? Honestly i'm the young apprentice and i'm acting more mature than you. Grow up...i hope you never have money taken away from you without which is due to be paid to you., especially if you have families to pay for. And Corus workers dont't do any work?! Maybe you should stop listening to other people's opinions because it certainly isn't fact...jealously is such a bad thing.”
by Another Corus Worker, Port Talbot
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 7:42PM
“A 4 bedroom in Marsh Street!! My my Wxxker you have come up in the world! Seriously though, please stop bragging about our bonus, there are a lot of my mates out of work who would love to be working in the "crappy smelly steelworks". Hope you and your "speedos" have a CRACKING holiday.”
by worker, port talbot
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 6:55PM
“richard, gwendraeth Enjoy your trip if your passing Barbados give me a wave. Good to see you have a well Paid job. Hope you never find yourself in the position where your employer takes a big chunk of you pay off you illegally.
also be gratfull that you don't have to work in a crappy smelly steel works like 5000 others I will Enjoy my bonus while it lasts mate. Enjoy your wealth as well, you never know who might come along and steal it.
Have to go now, just off to pack my speedos. I've got 3, one red another black , and white nice.”
by richard, gwendraeth
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 6:34PM
“worker, Just a thought but i seem to recall a saying, 'pride comes before a fall' God knows id hate your perfect world to come crashing around your ears in the first quarter of next year but it doesnt do any harm to excercise a little humilty. you are coming across as a bit of a prat mate. oh and by the way ill be sailing from southampton on dec 19 for a bit of a round the world trip, and i didnt have to work in a crappy smelly steel works to get it. Enjoy your bonus while it lasts mate”
by worker, Port talbot.
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 5:15PM
“4 bedroom if you don't mind.
By the way i wouldnt mind being a contractor. £35,000 a year for working day's without o/t Over 50k with o/t Now thats what i call a good job.”
by Not a Corus Worker, PORT TALBOT
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 4:11PM
“Thank You WXXnker from a terraced house in Port Talbot my commission on your tacky Barbados Holiday will pay for me to go to a classy resort where your type cannot afford to go to. You must have been brought up poor to be excited over your pathetic bonus that really the contractors deserve as they do the majority of the heavy work while you lot pratt on about your retirement age! Hope you enjoy your holiday mwah xxx”