Trade Unions Hail Deal To Save Bifab Yards & Secure Jobs

Unite And GMB Joint Media Statement

Trade Unions Hail Deal To Save Bifab Yards And Secure Jobs For The Duration Of The Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd Contract

The GMB and Unite leaders, Gary Smith and Pat Rafferty, praised the role of the Scottish Government and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, in brokering the deal and the resolute stand taken by the BiFab workers to convince everyone they were determined to fight for their jobs and their communities.

The background to the saving of the yards, in these difficult circumstances, is the coming together of all the major parties to agree a deal to make a shared financial contribution guaranteeing that BiFab would not go into administration.

The deal also assures that the cash flow of the company will now allow the current contract to be completed, with the same workforce.

The union leaders Gary Smith and Pat Rafferty said: “Make no mistake these yards would be closed today if it wasn’t for the dignity and determination of the workers and their families in Fife and Lewis to save their jobs and industry.

With their futures on a knife edge they worked for nothing stayed strong and resolute and by staying united they have won their future.

Further, the Scottish Government said they would leave no stone unturned and their efforts have been pivotal in bringing BiFab back from the brink.

Both the First Minster Nicola Sturgeon and the Cabinet Secretary Keith Brown secured the co-operation of all the partners and interests involved to create a deal.”

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Contact: Peter Welsh, GMB Scotland Communications, on 07976 447077, and Bob Wylie, Unite Scotland Communications, on 07711 751570.