Unite calls for urgent Scottish manufacturing summit
11th March 2009
Unite, Scotland’s biggest union, has today written to the
minister for Enterprise, Energy & Tourism, Jim Mather MSP,
calling for a manufacturing summit to help explore ways to support
the sector and to keep people in employment.
Last week in the Scottish parliament at the finance and
sustainable growth debate, Jim Mather MSP, following a question
from John Park MSP, agreed to hold a summit with key stakeholders
including trade unions.
Unite believes it is a matter of great concern that the recent
economic analysis by the Fraser of Allander Institute, published in
February, has forecast that up to 20,000 jobs in the manufacturing
sector could be lost by 2012.
Unite Scottish regional secretary, John Quigley, said: “It is
our firm belief that manufacturing should be at the heart of
efforts to rebalance the economy, but if this is to be achieved
then more engagement with all key stakeholders, including trade
unions, must begin with a matter of urgency.
“We must work together to develop a strategy that can help
stimulate domestic and external demand to aid economic recovery and
keep people in employment during this difficult period. This must
include awarding contracts and targeting investment in defence,
energy, construction, universities and further education
institutions, transport and infrastructure.
“Unite is determined to redouble its efforts to secure support
for Scotland’s vital manufacturing sector, which employs over
200,000 people, but we are clear that words should be backed up by
immediate action.”
The manufacturing sector in Scotland employs over 200,000 in
industries such as defence, chemicals, petroleum, mechanical
engineering, transport, print and publishing, and food and
drinks.
ENDS
For further information contact John Quigley on 07771 656632 or
Mark Di-Toro in the Unite press office on 07918 640579.
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