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MANAGEMENT MUST LISTEN TO ROSYTH WORKERS - RENNIE
June 15, 2007 3:59 PM
The management at Rosyth dockyard has misread the strength of feeling amongst workers, Liberal Democrat MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, Willie Rennie has warned
Warning that the excellent reputation of the yard may be tarnished if industrial action takes place, Mr Rennie said:
"I am concerned that the management at Babcock's have misread the strength of feeling at the yard. The workers tell me they are angry that the management's pension proposal hits those who earn least and the company are not paying their fair share of the costs of the impending pension black hole.
"The details of pension negotiations can be extremely complex but it is clear that there is real anger amongst the workforce over this and other disputes.
"The workforce has an excellent reputation for delivering on time and within budget but I am concerned that this reputation will be tarnished with a strike or other industrial action just when the dockyard is set to be a partner in the construction of two new aircraft carriers.
"There is a massive responsibility on the shoulders of the management and the trade unions at the dockyard. After years of waiting for the arrival of the aircraft carriers work the contract must not be lost because of industrial action. I have urged both sides to get on with the discussions so that we can solve this crisis and continue preparing for the real prize - the aircraft carriers."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. Willie Rennie is a Member of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee
2. He has had discussed the matter with Chief Executive Archie Bethel and Amicus Trade Union Regional Organiser Bernie Hamilton.
3. The MP has offered to act as an independent chairman to help bring both sides together.
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