Menu
30/04/2008
Way Paved For Resolution To Grangemouth Despute
Grangemouth oil refinery bosses and Unite Union officials believe they have reached a proposal in the dispute over pensions that would be considered "in the coming days".
The possibility of a breakthrough came yesterday after Ineos founder Jim Ratcliffe and Unite general secretaries Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson met following the return of workers from a 48-hour strike.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I'm very pleased both sides have listened to the advice of the two governments in Edinburgh and Westminster - and indeed the wider Scottish community - in engaging in meaningful discussions.
"Hopefully this paves the way for a resolution to the dispute in the coming days."
UK Business Secretary John Hutton said: "I welcome this positive development.
"As I have said to both sides in the dispute today, talking is better than striking.
"We need to avoid any further disruption to fuel supplies in Scotland and I am greatly encouraged that both sides have agreed to further talks."
Around 1,200 Grangemouth workers walked out last Sunday and Monday following proposal from Ineos to close its final salary pension scheme to new workers. Ineos also want to phase in a contribution to the pension scheme from workers of 6% of their salary.
The strike is believed to have cost the economy £100m. Fuel supplies have been disrupted and much of the UK's North Sea oil production was halted.
It is thought it could take some time before normal operations are resumed.
(GK/JM)
The possibility of a breakthrough came yesterday after Ineos founder Jim Ratcliffe and Unite general secretaries Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson met following the return of workers from a 48-hour strike.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I'm very pleased both sides have listened to the advice of the two governments in Edinburgh and Westminster - and indeed the wider Scottish community - in engaging in meaningful discussions.
"Hopefully this paves the way for a resolution to the dispute in the coming days."
UK Business Secretary John Hutton said: "I welcome this positive development.
"As I have said to both sides in the dispute today, talking is better than striking.
"We need to avoid any further disruption to fuel supplies in Scotland and I am greatly encouraged that both sides have agreed to further talks."
Around 1,200 Grangemouth workers walked out last Sunday and Monday following proposal from Ineos to close its final salary pension scheme to new workers. Ineos also want to phase in a contribution to the pension scheme from workers of 6% of their salary.
The strike is believed to have cost the economy £100m. Fuel supplies have been disrupted and much of the UK's North Sea oil production was halted.
It is thought it could take some time before normal operations are resumed.
(GK/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 May 2012
Public Sector Workers Begin 24-Hour Strike Action
A 24-hour UK-wide strike action is underway in a dispute between public sector workers and the government over changes to their pension scheme. Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers have to taken to the streets in protest over changes that unions say will leave their members paying more and working longer for lower pensions.
Public Sector Workers Begin 24-Hour Strike Action
A 24-hour UK-wide strike action is underway in a dispute between public sector workers and the government over changes to their pension scheme. Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers have to taken to the streets in protest over changes that unions say will leave their members paying more and working longer for lower pensions.
16 October 2013
Royal Mail Workers Balloted Over National Strike Action
Royal Mail could face its first national strike in almost four years, as the Communication Workers Union hold a ballot over action in a dispute over workers terms and condition at the newly privatised company.
Royal Mail Workers Balloted Over National Strike Action
Royal Mail could face its first national strike in almost four years, as the Communication Workers Union hold a ballot over action in a dispute over workers terms and condition at the newly privatised company.
23 October 2013
Ineos Announce Grangemouth Closure
The management of Grangemouth petrochemical plant have announced that it will close. Ineos, who run the plant, added that no decision on restarting operations would be taken until the "threat of strike action" was removed. Some 800 people are employed directly at the plant, with many more employed as sub-contractors.
Ineos Announce Grangemouth Closure
The management of Grangemouth petrochemical plant have announced that it will close. Ineos, who run the plant, added that no decision on restarting operations would be taken until the "threat of strike action" was removed. Some 800 people are employed directly at the plant, with many more employed as sub-contractors.
28 April 2008
Second Day Of Grangemouth Strike
Staff at Grangemouth are beginning the second day of a two-day strike. It is believed that up to 1,200 staff took up the strike action in a row over pensions, which began at 6am on Sunday. Grangemouth powers the BP-controlled Forties pipeline at Kinneil processing plant, which provides a third of the UK's daily oil output.
Second Day Of Grangemouth Strike
Staff at Grangemouth are beginning the second day of a two-day strike. It is believed that up to 1,200 staff took up the strike action in a row over pensions, which began at 6am on Sunday. Grangemouth powers the BP-controlled Forties pipeline at Kinneil processing plant, which provides a third of the UK's daily oil output.
09 October 2014
Underground Workers Suspend Strike Amid Talks
Strike action by London Underground (LU) workers planned for next Tuesday has been suspended following talks between union and LU management. A 48-hour work stoppage had been planned to begin at 21:00 on Tuesday 14 October in a dispute over staff cuts.
Underground Workers Suspend Strike Amid Talks
Strike action by London Underground (LU) workers planned for next Tuesday has been suspended following talks between union and LU management. A 48-hour work stoppage had been planned to begin at 21:00 on Tuesday 14 October in a dispute over staff cuts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
