Workers, local people and politicians battle to save Hall’s of Broxburn

THE union that represents workers at Hall’s of Broxburn launched a campaign yesterday aimed at securing the 1,700 jobs at risk from the threatened closure of the site.

Members of the Usdaw union started the campaign following the first meeting of staff with management at the site, as part of the 30-day consultation into possible closure.

The campaign has already attracted the support of Labour MPs Graeme Morrice and Michael Connarty, who represent areas surrounding the West Lothian factory.

Usdaw shop steward Bridget Norwood, who has worked at the factory for 24 years, said staff had decided to run a campaign to save the 1,700 jobs under threat.

She said: “It’s only a day since we heard, but people are already thinking about how we can save our jobs, which are so important to the local area.”

Esther Stewart, who has worked at the factory for 17 years, said: “Everyone is keen to do their bit in the campaign, but we’ll decide the details later, as it’s only a day ago that we heard about this.”

Karolina Stachowiak, who works at the Broxburn factory with her partner Derek Gibb, was among those attending the campaign launch yesterday. She said: “Everyone is just shocked about what is happening, but people are determined to do whatever they can to keep the factory open, as so many people depend on it for their livelihoods.”

Mr Morrice, who attended the meeting with staff and management, said there would be a “massive local fightback” to defend the jobs of the workers at Hall’s.

He said: “I believe the door is still open for change. Losing the jobs would be absolutely devastating.

“The community here is shell-shocked, and I predict a massive local fightback in support of the workforce.”