GMB slams Ferguson Marine Directors recognition rejection

GMB Slams ‘Shameful’ Rejection Of Union Recognition By Ferguson Marine Directors

Serious questions have to be asked as to why Ferguson Marine has been so resistant to recognition says GMB

GMB Scotland has slammed the board of directors at Ferguson Marine today (Thursday 8 September) after a decision was taken to reject a formal request from workers for the return of trade union recognition.

Trade union representatives have been in prolonged consultations with Managing Director Liam Campbell to re-establish recognition and collective bargaining rights following the firm’s administration in 2014 and subsequent takeover by the prominent businessman, Jim McColl.

However a meeting of the Port Glasgow shipbuilder’s board of directors, a significant beneficiary of Scottish Government procurement contracts, rejected the trade unions proposals.

GMB Scotland Organiser Gary Cook said: “It is shameful that Liam Campbell and his directors have refused to listen to the workers’ reasonable demands for a return to full collective bargaining.

“This is a company benefitting to the tune of nearly £100 million worth of Scottish Government contracts for the manufacture of two new Cal Mac ferries, yet they refuse to adhere to the principles of that same government’s Fair Work Convention.

“GMB will now aggressively pursue industrial democracy for our members through the appropriate legal channels but serious questions have to be asked as to why Ferguson Marine has been so resistant to recognition.

“Trade union recognition and collective bargaining are proven drivers for shared prosperity and I would be shocked if alarm bells aren’t ringing in the Scottish Government over this employer’s Dickensian attitude to basic workers’ rights.”

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Contact: GMB Scotland Organiser Gary Cook on 07712 677594 or Peter Welsh, GMB Scotland Communications, on 0141 352 8138