There must be a fair and worker-led transition for Grangemouth
Workers and the community must be at the heart of shaping the future of Grangemouth, says the Scottish Green MSP for Central Scotland, Gillian Mackay, who grew up only 200 yards from the refinery.
Ms Mackay has met with local workers and trade union representatives, and will be joining the Grangemouth March for Jobs today.
Ms Mackay is calling on the Scottish and UK governments to work with trade unions, workers and community representatives to develop plans for a positive and sustainable future for the site.
Ms Mackay said: “There is a huge sense of uncertainty hanging over Grangemouth, and I know that the community will be out in force today.
“I grew up only 200 yards from the refinery, and know how important it is for the local economy and jobs. Everyone in the town knows somebody who is employed directly or indirectly by these sites.
“The workers at Grangemouth are some of the most talented and skilled anywhere in Scotland, they must be at the heart of shaping what happens next. They deserve so much better than the way they have been treated by INEOS.
“What has happened recently at Grangemouth is the exact opposite of a just and fair transition for workers.
“We need the Scottish and UK governments to work with trade unions and the community to do everything they can to end the instability and support local people.
“Grangemouth can’t be left behind. We all need to pull together if we are to ensure a secure, sustainable and prosperous future.
“The refinery has been on the site for nearly 100 years, and we need to ensure that what is there for the next 100 years does good for the community and the workers, and plays its part in building a greener Scotland.
“The just transition can’t be a slogan, it has to provide real jobs and opportunities, and Grangemouth can and must be a blueprint of that collaborative and managed transition in action.”
