30/04/2008
Way Paved For Resolution To Grangemouth Despute
Grangemouth oil refinery bosses and Unite Union officials believe they have reached a proposal in the dispute over pensions that would be considered "in the coming days".
The possibility of a breakthrough came yesterday after Ineos founder Jim Ratcliffe and Unite general secretaries Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson met following the return of workers from a 48-hour strike.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I'm very pleased both sides have listened to the advice of the two governments in Edinburgh and Westminster - and indeed the wider Scottish community - in engaging in meaningful discussions.
"Hopefully this paves the way for a resolution to the dispute in the coming days."
UK Business Secretary John Hutton said: "I welcome this positive development.
"As I have said to both sides in the dispute today, talking is better than striking.
"We need to avoid any further disruption to fuel supplies in Scotland and I am greatly encouraged that both sides have agreed to further talks."
Around 1,200 Grangemouth workers walked out last Sunday and Monday following proposal from Ineos to close its final salary pension scheme to new workers. Ineos also want to phase in a contribution to the pension scheme from workers of 6% of their salary.
The strike is believed to have cost the economy £100m. Fuel supplies have been disrupted and much of the UK's North Sea oil production was halted.
It is thought it could take some time before normal operations are resumed.
(GK/JM)
The possibility of a breakthrough came yesterday after Ineos founder Jim Ratcliffe and Unite general secretaries Tony Woodley and Derek Simpson met following the return of workers from a 48-hour strike.
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I'm very pleased both sides have listened to the advice of the two governments in Edinburgh and Westminster - and indeed the wider Scottish community - in engaging in meaningful discussions.
"Hopefully this paves the way for a resolution to the dispute in the coming days."
UK Business Secretary John Hutton said: "I welcome this positive development.
"As I have said to both sides in the dispute today, talking is better than striking.
"We need to avoid any further disruption to fuel supplies in Scotland and I am greatly encouraged that both sides have agreed to further talks."
Around 1,200 Grangemouth workers walked out last Sunday and Monday following proposal from Ineos to close its final salary pension scheme to new workers. Ineos also want to phase in a contribution to the pension scheme from workers of 6% of their salary.
The strike is believed to have cost the economy £100m. Fuel supplies have been disrupted and much of the UK's North Sea oil production was halted.
It is thought it could take some time before normal operations are resumed.
(GK/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 May 2012
Public Sector Workers Begin 24-Hour Strike Action
A 24-hour UK-wide strike action is underway in a dispute between public sector workers and the government over changes to their pension scheme. Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers have to taken to the streets in protest over changes that unions say will leave their members paying more and working longer for lower pensions.
Public Sector Workers Begin 24-Hour Strike Action
A 24-hour UK-wide strike action is underway in a dispute between public sector workers and the government over changes to their pension scheme. Hundreds of thousands of public sector workers have to taken to the streets in protest over changes that unions say will leave their members paying more and working longer for lower pensions.
23 October 2013
Ineos Announce Grangemouth Closure
The management of Grangemouth petrochemical plant have announced that it will close. Ineos, who run the plant, added that no decision on restarting operations would be taken until the "threat of strike action" was removed. Some 800 people are employed directly at the plant, with many more employed as sub-contractors.
Ineos Announce Grangemouth Closure
The management of Grangemouth petrochemical plant have announced that it will close. Ineos, who run the plant, added that no decision on restarting operations would be taken until the "threat of strike action" was removed. Some 800 people are employed directly at the plant, with many more employed as sub-contractors.
16 October 2013
Royal Mail Workers Balloted Over National Strike Action
Royal Mail could face its first national strike in almost four years, as the Communication Workers Union hold a ballot over action in a dispute over workers terms and condition at the newly privatised company.
Royal Mail Workers Balloted Over National Strike Action
Royal Mail could face its first national strike in almost four years, as the Communication Workers Union hold a ballot over action in a dispute over workers terms and condition at the newly privatised company.
22 April 2008
Talks To Take Place Over Grangemouth Dispute
Ineos the owners of Grangemouth oil refinery and officials from Unite trade union are to meet at the conciliation service Acas for talks aimed at resolving the dispute over plans to end the final salary pension scheme for new workers. Without a breakthrough, up to 1,200 workers will walk out for 48 hours from Sunday.
Talks To Take Place Over Grangemouth Dispute
Ineos the owners of Grangemouth oil refinery and officials from Unite trade union are to meet at the conciliation service Acas for talks aimed at resolving the dispute over plans to end the final salary pension scheme for new workers. Without a breakthrough, up to 1,200 workers will walk out for 48 hours from Sunday.
09 October 2014
Underground Workers Suspend Strike Amid Talks
Strike action by London Underground (LU) workers planned for next Tuesday has been suspended following talks between union and LU management. A 48-hour work stoppage had been planned to begin at 21:00 on Tuesday 14 October in a dispute over staff cuts.
Underground Workers Suspend Strike Amid Talks
Strike action by London Underground (LU) workers planned for next Tuesday has been suspended following talks between union and LU management. A 48-hour work stoppage had been planned to begin at 21:00 on Tuesday 14 October in a dispute over staff cuts.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.