Unite says everything must be done to oppose shock sale of Lindsey
refinery
22nd April 2010
Unite the union has today (Thursday 22nd April) vowed to do all
in its power to prevent the proposed sale by Total of the Lindsey
oil refinery in North Lincolnshire from putting jobs and the site
at risk.
The news has left the local community reeling as the plans only
became apparent when Total's chief executive, Christophe de
Margerie, was interviewed yesterday by a French radio
station.
The refinery provides employment for some 2,000 workers and for
many thousands more in local businesses and services.
All these jobs are now at risk as Total moves to cut UK costs
following a promise the petroleum company made that no jobs at its
French sites would face closures or job losses until
2015.
Lindsey produces around 200,000 barrels of oil a day, making it
the UK's third largest refinery, but Unite says that, in the
present economic climate, a successful sale of the plant is highly
unlikely, as the majority of UK refineries are currently up for
sale.
For example, the Shell plant at Stanlow has been on the market
for at least 18 months, but has yet to find a buyer.
Failure to find a buyer for Lindsey could lead instead to the
site being mothballed with all the jobs being lost. Unite also
fears that even if a buyer is found, production will be reduced
which could also mean job losses.
Bernard McAulay, Unite national officer representing the workers
at the plant, said: "This news is shocking and could have
devastating consequences for the local community in north east
Lincolnshire. Everything must be done to stop the plant being
mothballed.
"Nearly 2,000 men and women could lose their jobs. Our utmost
priority now is to meet with management to hear why, with oil
prices at an all time high and Total continuing to be a hugely
profitable company, it is looking to offload a major UK
facility. Unite will be doing all in its power to save the
jobs this industry provides for this region.
"This industry is a key employer in this country, but it is
experiencing a period of significant and damaging instability,
which is why we will be looking to business secretary, Lord
Mandelson, and his department to urgently lead on securing a future
for the Lindsey plant."
ENDS
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