Workers fear for safety over scrapping of HMS Intrepid in
Liverpool
12 September 2008
Members of Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, who work
at the Port of Liverpool on gig boats, are refusing to work in
potentially hazardous conditions when the HMS Intrepid arrives in
dock today to be scrapped.
Unite members are angry over the lack of consultation and
Health and Safety protection for workers carried out by Peel
Holdings to ensure the safe dismantling of the old navy vessel.
Unite say we must ensure that all naval vessels are dismantled to
the highest health, safety and environmental standards in order to
protect our members safety.
Unite Senior Regional Industrial Organiser, Tony McQuade
said: "Our members have expressed safety concerns and are totally
refusing to touch this ex-naval vessel.
"There has been no consultation or risk assessment for
workers handling this vessel when it arrives for scrapping in
Canada dry dock today..
"We are extremely disappointed that Peel Holdings have
given no consideration to workers’ safety. We are demanding that
they are more open about plans to scrap HMS Intrepid on our
doorstep. This vessel would prefer if old navy vessels are to be
dismantled on Merseyside a full consultation should take place to
ensure workers, people of Merseyside and the environment are
protected."
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For further information please contact Tony McQuade, Unite
Senior Regional Industrial Organiser on 0151 727 2200 or Mobile
07799114243
