iStockUnite leaders say they are increasingly hopeful they can extend the life of the closure-threatened Grangemouth oil refinery.
PetroIneos could close the plant next spring, but the union says positive talks with the company, and the Scottish and UK Governments could keep it running longer.
They will lead a march in the town on Saturday in the campaign to save 500 jobs at the refinery and thousands more which depend on it.
Derek Thomson from Unite the Union, told STV News: “We need a just transition for those workers in Grangemouth.
“We need to extend the lifetime of the refinery to make sure there’s good jobs, well-paid jobs in the future.
“But it’s aimed really, every politician and every member of the community, but right across Scotland we want to send a clear message that Unite is standing shoulder to shoulder with these communities.”
Acting Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “The Scottish Government wants refining at Grangemouth to continue for as long as practicable and recognises that the site, and its workforce, are crucial to Scotland’s economy and transition to net zero.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with Petroineos, UK Government ministers and Unite the Union to explore the options available to secure a long term, sustainable future for the site and accelerate new employment opportunities.
“I am pleased to have had early positive discussions with UK Secretary of State Ed Miliband and I welcome his willingness to work with me to secure a long term and sustainable future for Grangemouth.
“We are working to finalise our draft Grangemouth Just Transition Plan, which will outline the long term net zero operations we would hope to see take place at the site by 2045.”
PetroIneos has been contacted for comment.
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