Scots still on strike over oil refinery sackings

Published on Thursday 25 June 2009 00:13

WORKERS at two major power stations and a gas plant in Scotland will continue unofficial wildcat strikes until tomorrow in support of colleagues sacked at the Lindsey Oil Refinery.

Talks are due to take place tomorrow morning between unions and workers at the Scottish plants to discuss the outcome of national talks in Manchester today.

Around 400 workers at Longannet power station in Fife, and more than 100 at the Cockenzie power station in East Lothian and the Mossmorran gas plant, also in Fife, have joined the unofficial action that has seen thousands of workers in England and Wales walk out following the sacking of more than 600 workers by Total at their North Lincolnshire plant.

Rab Sherry, regional officer in Scotland for Unite, said: "Strike action is likely to continue until at least Friday morning. Judging by the contracting companies' actions, you would think they were hell-bent on causing industrial strikes."

Scottish Power said none of its staff were involved in the action and that power supply would remain unaffected.

Negotiations over the sackings at the Lindsey Oil Refinery were adjourned yesterday after five hours, with some progress being made.