GRANGEMOUTH: Community will not forget if governments abandon them
Workers and the community in Grangemouth will not forget it if they are abandoned by their governments, says Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.
Ms Mackay, who represents Grangemouth and who grew up and still lives in the shadow of the refinery, was responding to news that the site could close as early as May.
Ms Mackay said:
“This is a further devastating blow to hundreds of workers and to a community that feels like it has been abandoned and left to the will of a detached billionaire.
“All of us in the town know somebody who is employed at the site, and we all know the businesses who rely on it. Three months is no time at all, and a lot of people will be extremely worried and angry about what is happening.
“The Labour government was elected on a promise to step in and save the jobs, but those words are looking extremely hollow today. With only months to go, it is clear that they have no plan to protect workers or to provide jobs for the future.
“The workers in Grangemouth could have a crucial role to play in our green future. But warm words alone about a just transition won’t pay the bills, it needs investment and it needs a proper plan.
“The workers and the community will not forget it if they are abandoned by their governments at a time when they need them the most.
“We can’t let Grangemouth go the same way as so many other communities and towns where big businesses have cut and run while jobs have been lost and people have suffered.
“Workers should not be in this position. I implore the Scottish and UK governments to pull out all stops and work with the trade unions and the community to protect workers.”
