Unite the union has confirmed today (4 February) that its members at Cummins Engineering in Cumbernauld have overwhelmingly voted in favour of strike action. This comes following an announcement just before Christmas that the company would be closed. The action will result in strike, and action short of a strike, including an overtime ban, and is expected to take place from late February 2020. The turnout was 84.7 pewr cent with 100 per cent of workers voting for strike action.

The Scottish government has offered financial assistance to keep the factory open through the development and production of hydrogen cell batteries. However, the company remains intent on closing the factory despite admitting it did not need to before autumn 2020, prior to the alternative plans being brought forward.

Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue said: “This is about our members' futures. They are refusing to give up without a fight. Cummins has stripped them of their jobs and their livelihoods. We are hoping that the action will bring Cummins management back to the table following their earlier refusal to engage with us on an alternative to closure. Unite has brought forward a counter proposal with the Scottish government's assistance and we are grateful for their ongoing support. Unite believes we can retain a viable presence on the site and we will not give up the fight to save jobs."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  • Unite Scotland is the country’s biggest and most diverse trade union with around 150,000 members. The union is led in Scotland by Pat Rafferty.