SCOTLAND OIL STRIKES AT GRANGEMOUTH OIL REFINERY.

SCOTLAND OIL STRIKES AT GRANGEMOUTH OIL REFINERY.

SPEEDY RESOLUTION CALLED FOR IN OIL STRIKES.

Jamie Hepburn, SNP MSP for Central Scotland, has called for a speedy resolution to the dispute which has seen oil workers at Grangemouth and elsewhere in Scotland take part in strike action today [30th January 2009].

The workers have walked-out in protest at the announcement that a contract for work at the Lindsey Oil Refinery in Lincolnshire has been given to an Italian firm.

Commenting on the dispute, Jamie Hepburn MSP said:

“I can understand the concerns that the striking workers have and the support those at Grangemouth are showing for their colleagues. However many people will be concerned about the consequences of this strike action and I hope the matter can be resolved as quickly as possible.

"During this time of economic uncertainty, workers in the oil industry and elsewhere will naturally be concerned about the security of their jobs, and wish to seek assurances from employers about their future.

“Whilst workers understand that foreign companies will be awarded contracts, what they, and indeed I, cannot understand is the apparent refusal of such a company to consider employing local workers.

“It is important that any concerns about the location of the companies being awarded contracts does not turn into hostility or grievance towards individual members of staff from these companies and it is incumbent on all parties to come to a speedy resolution of this dispute."