Services plant closure ‘unacceptable’
BYKEITH McLEOD k.mcleod@dailyrecord.co.uk THE shutting of a 160-year-old railway works with the loss of 200 jobs was last night blasted as “completely unacceptable” by unions.
Gemini Rail Services yesterday told staff and contractors at the plant in Springburn, Glasgow, that they are planning a formal consultation over the planned closure.
Bosses have blamed “changing and challenging market conditions”. But union leaders called for action from the Scottish Government.
The facility was set up in the 1850s as the St Rollox Locomotive Works by the Caledonian Railway Company. The plant, which serves customers in Scotland and the north of England, can carry out service, maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrades on all train types.
A total of 120 workers are employed at the site and contractors take up the number affected to 200.
One worker said: “It is a massive shock to the system. There are many workers who thought they would at least get beyond Christmas.
“But we are now in the situation where it appears hope has been lost.
“It is a crushing blow for workers and contractors.”
Unite said they have “repeatedly raised concerns over the future workload of the site” with the firm and the Scottish Government.
They added: “The closure will lead to the ludicrous situation whereby the maintenance of Scotland’s rail stock would be carried out in England.”
Gemini Rail Services said: “All options will be explored with a view to avoiding redundancies.”
Local SNP MSP Bob Doris said: “We must do all we can to save these jobs.”