Hundreds of workers took to the streets of Edinburgh in a march to demand the salvation of Scotland’s Grangemouth oil refinery from closure. The Keep Grangemouth Working rally witnessed trade union members and supporters causing a traffic standstill on the Royal Mile as they made their way to the Scottish Parliament. Last year, energy giant Petroineos, a joint venture between Ineos and PetroChina, announced plans to halt refining operations at the site in spring 2025, putting 400 highly-skilled jobs in jeopardy.
Unite, one of the trade unions representing refinery workers, disputed Petroineos’ claims of financial losses. Outside the Scottish Parliament, Unite chief Sharon Graham urged MSPs to show solidarity in preserving Grangemouth. She vehemently stated, “We are not going to accept the closure of the only oil refinery in Scotland. We won’t allow these workers to be sacrificed again at the altar of net zero.” Graham labelled the situation as “industrial vandalism” and a “grotesque case of corporate decapitation.”
Iain Hardie of Petroineos Scotland highlighted that both the UK and Scottish Governments were informed in advance of the company’s intentions to cease operations. Hardie expressed disappointment in the lack of government support provided to extend the refinery’s lifespan. The future of Grangemouth hangs in the balance as workers and unions continue their fight to save their jobs and the refinery.
The Keep Grangemouth Working march serves as a powerful display of unity and determination amongst workers facing uncertainty in the wake of potential refinery closure. The demands for support from the government and the energy giant resonate with the broader implications of the transition towards cleaner energy sources. It highlights the complex challenges faced by industrial communities in adapting to sustainable practices while safeguarding livelihoods. The outcome of this battle will not only impact the workers and their families but also carry implications for Scotland’s energy landscape and economic future.