A TRADE union has warned that oil and gas workers may “become the coal miners of our generation” ahead of a rally to protect jobs at Grangemouth oil refinery.
Unite said there was a “growing belief” that Grangemouth could be saved following constructive talks with the UK Government, with 500 jobs at stake should the refinery close as planned in 2025 by owners Petroineos.
The union has organised a rally as part of the Keep Grangemouth Working Campaign, calling on workers, community members and trade unionists to show support for the refinery workers and those dependent on it.
The demonstration will take place on Saturday from 11am outside Grangemouth Stadium. The march will leave at 11.30am, and the rally will start at 1pm at Zetland Park.
Sharon Graham (below), general secretary of Unite, said: “Unite is fighting hard for the futures of workers in Grangemouth, to extend the life of the refinery and to secure commensurate jobs for them in new low carbon projects at the plant.
“I have had some constructive high-level talks with the government in Westminster and we are also continuing to engage positively with Holyrood and Petroineos.
“The Keep Grangemouth Working campaign has put the fight to save Scotland’s only oil refinery centre stage. The march in Grangemouth is testament to the grit and determination of the workers to keep fighting for their futures.
“We cannot allow oil and gas workers to become the coal miners of our generation.”
Unite highlighted several “positive steps” following high-level talks, including joint funding from the UK and Scottish governments worth £1.6 million for Project Willow, which will explore low carbon projects at Grangemouth.
Derek Thomson, Unite Scottish secretary, said there had been a “sea change” in government attitude, both at Holyrood and Westminster, over the future of the refinery.
He continued: “Now a solution with government support must be found to extend the lifespan of the oil refinery. Unite will work morning, noon, and night in the fight to save jobs at Grangemouth.
Thomson added that Grangemouth is “one of the greatest tests the just transition process will ever face in Scotland”.
“We need to get this right for the workers based at the refinery, and the thousands more dependent upon it in the wider supply chain and Grangemouth community.”
