The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Union bosses praise amazing spirit
The spirit of the BiFab workforce has been lauded by trade union leaders following Saturday’s agreement that will safeguard the Fife firm.
The company’s 1,400 employees decided last Monday to work without the prospect of pay in order to secure the future of its three sites at Methil, Burntisland and at Arnish on the Isle of Lewis.
The bold decision was indicative of the resilience displayed throughout a traumatic week for staff and their families, which culminated with a huge march through the streets of Edinburgh on Thursday.
The moving images of children holding signs pleading for political intervention to “Save Daddy’s work” made waves throughout the country, heaping on pressure for a resolution to be found.
Praising the workers for their resilience, Gary Smith and Pat Rafferty, leaders of the GMB and Unite unions respectively, said: “Make no mistake these yards would be closed today if it wasn’t for the dignity and determination of the workers and their families in Fife and Lewis to save their jobs and industry.
“With their futures on a knife edge they worked for nothing, stayed strong and resolute and by staying united they have won their future.
“Further, the Scottish Government said they would leave no stone unturned and their efforts have been pivotal in bringing BiFab back from the brink.”
Dutch contractor Seaway Heavy Lifting also heaped praise on the Scottish Government for its involvement in Saturday’s agreement.
The company’s chief executive, Jan Willem van der Graaf, said its focus was now on seeing through its contract with BiFab.
“Seaway Heavy Lifting is pleased to confirm that a rescue package for BiFab has now been endorsed by all stakeholders, with support from the Scottish Government,” he said.
“We have worked very hard along with the other stakeholders to find constructive solutions to support BiFab.
“We will continue to always treat its suppliers fairly, with respect and integrity and we look forward to BiFab successfully completing the remainder of the Beatrice jacket fabrication.”