Unite warns against the takeover of Forth Ports
30th April 2010
Unite officials met with Labour MSPs yesterday (29 April) to
highlight the union’s concerns over a bid by the Northstream
consortium for control of the Forth Ports. The MSPs were very
supportive of the union and expressed their trepidation over the
potential problems that could arise.
Unite believes that Forth Ports, which is not for sale, should
not have to defend itself against this predatory action by the
Northstream consortium. Forth Ports is a successful, profitable
company that has delivered for all stakeholders including its
workers and it should not be forced into a position where it is
taken over.
The union also has major concerns about the make up of the
consortium, which includes rival port operator Peel Ports. Peel
Ports has a history of employing staff on zero hours contracts and
Unite fears it may end up in control of day-to-day operations
should a takeover go ahead.
Unite believes the combination of Peel and Forth Ports is not in
the public interest as it will have a far too dominant position.
The buy out would lead to the dominance of the West Coast and
together with the pre-existing supremacy of Forth Ports on the East
Coast of Scotland would control the majority of Scotland’s coastal
import and export operations in the main industrial and economic
heartland.
Julia Long, Unite national officer for docks and waterways,
said: “We believe that if this bid is successful, it will be to the
detriment of our members and Scottish economic interests. We are
extremely concerned that this will lead to an increased
casualisation of the workforce and significant job losses.
“This is another example of how a national, profitable asset can
pass into problematic ownership because of predatory bidding. Our
main concern is for our 700 members who are fearing that their jobs
and terms and conditions will be on the line.
“Unite and Labour MSPs will consequently be jointly pursuing
avenues towards ensuring this potential change in ownership is
looked at seriously due to its anti-competitive nature.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Julia Long on 07778
749518 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite press office on 020 7420
8914 or 07980 224761.
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