Fuel Supplies at Risk as Grangemouth Workers go on Strike
Fuel supplies at petrol stations across Scotland and the north of England could be affected by a strike at Grangemouth, a union has claimed.
Dock workers have been on strike since Tuesday in a dispute over proposed shift changes by operator Forth Ports.
They are picketing beside the entrance to the Grangemouth fuel terminal and it is understood tanker drivers are refusing to cross the line.
Unite said this could threaten supplies to petrol forecourts across the country, while Edinburgh Airport has already told airlines to get fuel elsewhere as a precaution.
Bosses from refinery operator Petroineos said they were “frustrated” that Police Scotland had not moved the picket back to the original location.
The firm said access to its road station had to be maintained to “avoid a fuels crisis”.
Sandy Smart, Unite’s regional officer, said: “It now looks increasingly likely the company’s refusal to negotiate will affect fuel supplied to forecourts across Scotland and the north of England as this strike escalates.
“Again, if we are ready and willing to meet with the company, through the conciliation services if necessary, to resolve this dispute through negotiation.
“However, that requires a clear signal from Forth Ports’ management that they are prepared to end their imposition and return to a process of proper employment relations.”
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport said: “We’re aware of the strike at Grangemouth and the potential issues for all Scottish airports.
“We’ve informed our airline partners of the situation and they are being advised to refuel at other airports.
“We have have a reserve stock of fuel which is being managed to prolong its supply.
“We’re in touch with other authorities including the Scottish Government. Beyond that, it is business as usual.”
Unite representatives, who plan to strike until March 29, claim the changes proposed by Forth Ports will affect pay by up to £1800 a year. A wage freeze has also been imposed for the 2016-2017 period.
A spokesman for the port said: “Forth Ports has been working closely with Police Scotland, Petroineos and other agencies since the start of the industrial action at the Port of Grangemouth to minimise disruption to traffic and cargo movement during this unjustified strike by Unite.
“We are very disappointed that Unite has chosen to picket the premises of Petroineos who have no part in this dispute and we call on Unite to cease this action immediately.
“We also call on Unite to end this strike, get our colleagues back to work, honour the contracts agreed in 2011 and reopen discussions on these necessary proposals.
“Meanwhile, with the exception of container quayside operations, the Port of Grangemouth remains open for business and continues to operate.”
A spokesman for refinery operator Petroineos said: “Throughout this week Petroineos have stressed to the Scottish Government and Police Scotland that access to its road station must be maintained to avoid the Forth Ports industrial issue escalating into a fuels crisis.
“Despite several requests over the last 24 hours, Petroineos are very disappointed that the relocated Unite Picket remains in place directly outside Petroineos access gate, and are frustrated that Police Scotland has been unable or unwilling to move the picket back to the original location and allow us to continue enjoying free access to our business.
“Our road terminal is open for business; fuel can be uplifted and exported.
“However Scottish Government and Police Scotland need to be aware that if this situation persists then there will be consequences for fuel reaching the forecourts of Scotland.”
