GMB Scotland calls for new future for Harland & Wolff yards

GMB Scotland welcomed the deal announced today to save all four Harland & Wolff shipyards including those in Methil, Fife, and Arnish, in the Western Isles.

Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland secretary, said: “The priority now is to ensure the future of these yards is not just secure but sustainable.

“The workforce in Scotland has endured too many false dawns and deserves certainty, investment and detailed plans.

“These yards are full of engineering excellence, experience and potential and should be thriving not just surviving.

“If operations like this do not have a long-term, profitable place in Scotland’s industrial landscape, supporting good jobs and local communities, then Scotland is doing something very wrong.

“The recent history of these yards has been one of squandered opportunities and that must end.

“We will now be seeking detailed discussions with management and governments on both sides of border to help forge a new way forward.”

Gilmour has written to the Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, deputy first minster Kate Forbes and UK government minister Sarah Jones to request discussions on how the Scottish yards, with a combined workforce of almost 400, can be supported in partnership with sister yards in Belfast and Devon after operations were bought by Navantia UK.

Announcing the sale, the UK Government said the agreement with the Spanish company will secure 1,000 jobs and ensured the delivery of the Fleet Solid Support Programme to build three Royal Navy ships. 

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