The devastating news of the possible end of steel making in Port Talbot has sent shock waves far beyond the community of Aberafon. The announcement that Tata which owns the majority of the UK’s steel works was shocking and disturbing, especially to the workforce, their families and many local businesses that rely so much on this major employer. Steel making in Port Talbot goes back many generations and the plant at one time employed up to thirty thousand workers. By today four thousand workers, their families and the whole community are in crisis and deeply concerned about their futures. We share that concern and sincerely hope that the ongoing negotiations with union reps, and government working together that there will be a good outcome for all who work at Port Talbot and all the other plants in the UK.
It was good to hear that many local churches in the Port Talbot area are seeking to support the steel workers and their families. A team of 16 church leaders have come together and are working alongside the Tata chaplain Rev Nick Hayes giving whatever support they can. They are assuring the steelworkers and their families that their support and prayers are with them at this difficult time and that any possible practical help will be there whenever it is needed. Rev Mark Williams, Vicar of Port Talbot has also sent a message to all those affected saying ‘We are walking beside you and will seek to continue to do that to the future’
Our concern is also with all those employed at the plant along with their families and the community at large. A prayer service will be held later this month at the town’s Ebenezer chapel and let’s hope that by that then there will be good news regarding the future. Here in Llanelli we think of all who work at the Trostre plant which is also part of the Tata group. The Bible affirms that the ‘labourer is worthy of his or her hire’ and that it is a God given right that all who seek to work should always see the rewards of their labours. ‘Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’
Caption: Image by Chris Shaw.
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