Union members at BiFab to lobby MSPs in Parliament

The meeting, which is taking place tomorrow (Wednesday), was organised by Fife MSP Claire Baker. It will see representatives from the trade unions GMB and Unite meet with a group of MSPs from across all parties.

The Scottish Labour MSP recently met with workers in the yard to discuss concerns over what will happen when the current Beatrice offshore windfarm contract comes to an end next month.

Ms Baker then raised the issue directly with the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at First Minister’s Questions last Thursday.

Now workers will be given the opportunity to meet directly with MSPs from all parties as they try to secure the future of the yards.

Speaking ahead of the meeting she said: “Three years ago, we held a successful meeting in the Scottish Parliament, giving workers and their trade unions the opportunity to put the yards future front and centre. This time, due to BiFab almost going into administration and the successful lobby of Parliament from workers, the yard can already count on support from across the political spectrum.

“However, with the Beatrice contract almost at an end we still need to ensure that we can secure the future of the three yards in Fife and the Highlands.

“Staving off administration only secured BiFab’s short term future. This meeting is about working together to ensure that the medium and long-term future is also guaranteed.

“Any gap in the order books is a cause of concern for the workforce as they face an uncertain future. Therefore, politicians must now work together to ensure that jobs are protected and that the company can grow.”

She added: “This meeting is the opportunity to kick-start a drive to realise that potential and I would urge MSPs from all parties and constituencies, not just Mid Scotland and Fife, to attend this meeting and lend their support.”

Bob McGregor, of the Unite union, said the Unite and GMB unions were working hard on behalf of the BiFab workers.

He said: “The company is working with the government and potential investors to secure the future of all three yards. We have a meeting with Keith Brown MSP next week so we are hopeful of positive news in terms of investment.”

He added; “The workers are willing to do whatever it takes to preserve their jobs which showed when they worked for a good couple of weeks without knowing if they would be paid. This shows investors they are a committed workforce.”