**Governments Urged to Act to Save Grangemouth Refinery, Union Demands**
In a compelling call to action, the Unite union has insisted that the Labour Government must be compelled to intervene to rescue Scotland’s sole oil refinery, located in Grangemouth. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, decried the planned closure of the refinery as a “horrific act of industrial vandalism” and stressed that the government needs to step in with crucial investments to secure its future.
This fervent plea from union leaders comes in the wake of Petroineos confirming the impending closure of the Grangemouth refinery in the second quarter of 2025, a move that is set to result in 400 job losses. Despite the Scottish and UK governments pledging a joint £100 million support package ahead of the closure, Unite remains resolute in its stance that more decisive action is needed from the authorities.
During the Unite union’s Scottish policy conference in Dundee, Sharon Graham specifically criticized Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney for their perceived inaction, accusing them of failing to adequately support the workers at Grangemouth. She underscored the urgency of the situation by stating, “Grangemouth is making net zero look far from a just transition, more a jobless transition.”
Derek Thomson, the Scottish secretary of Unite, echoed these sentiments by lambasting both the Scottish and UK governments for their inability to influence Petroineos to prolong the refinery’s lifespan. He emphasised that the closure of the refinery would have far-reaching economic implications for generations to come and laid blame on politicians for opting to remain passive in the face of impending industrial upheaval.
Thomson further pointed fingers at key political figures, including Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Ed Miliband, calling on them to take tangible steps to protect the jobs and broader supply chain associated with the Grangemouth facility. He firmly stated that inaction from political leaders would not be tolerated, signaling a clear warning that support will be extended to those who champion workers’ rights and job security.
The Unite union’s stance underscores the pressing need for government intervention in the Grangemouth refinery crisis. As the fate of hundreds of jobs hangs in the balance, the collective voice of the union demands accountability and concrete actions from policymakers to avert the impending closure and safeguard the livelihoods of those affected. With the economic ripple effects of the refinery’s shutdown set to reverberate for years to come, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated.
Both the Scottish and UK governments have been called upon to address the concerns raised by Unite and take proactive measures to secure the future of Grangemouth refinery. The ball now rests in the court of policymakers to heed the union’s impassioned plea and act decisively in the best interests of the workers and the wider community.