Unite reacts with anger to proposals to slash BVT
shipyard jobs
1st July 2009
Unite, the largest union in the shipbuilding industry, today
(Wednesday, July 1st) reacted with anger and dismay at a leaked
management memo on the restructuring proposals from senior BVT
management.
Plans are being drawn up for the possible closure of two navy
shipyards after aircraft carrier work ends in 2014. BVT is the
owner of yards at Scotstoun and Govan in Glasgow, and in
Portsmouth.
Bernie Hamilton, Unite national officer, said: "We condemn these
plans as short-sighted. We understand that some restructuring may
have to take place but Unite does not accept the closure of a yard
or making thousands of people redundant.
"The leaked memo runs contrary to the views of others in the
industry who believe future orders such as the complex MARS ships
and the replacement frigate can sustain the industry for many
years. If these crafts are built for the Royal Navy the export
potential is massive.
"As the carrier programme progresses, as confirmed only
yesterday by the government, we will need new skills in the
industry, and a great many of the existing workforce are close to
the end of their working lives. The apprentice intake has been
scheduled to match that decrease and reflect the future shape of
the industry. The plans set out in this leaked memo jeopardises the
UK's future manufacturing skills base."
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
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