Call to save Gemini jobs
LABOUR politicians have called for a collective effort to save 180 jobs under threat in Glasgow.
Gemini Rail Services has announced proposals to close the 160-yearold Springburn site, with crunch meetings about its future taking place today.
POLITICIANS have called for support from the Scottish Government in the fight to secure the future of 180 jobs in Glasgow.
Glasgow North East MP Paul Sweeney will meet with trade union representatives at Gemini Rail Services in Springburn on Friday after bosses announced closure plans on Wednesday.
He will be joined by Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard at the site, and is calling for further support from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise.
Better known as the St Rollox Railway Works or ‘The Caley’, the plant dates back to 1856.
Mr Sweeney said: “Its closure would be a hammer blow for our community, our city and our country. I will do everything I can and work tirelessly at all levels of government to save it.
“We were in this sorry situation back in 2013 but with hard work managed to find a successful way back for The Caley.
“By exploring all possible options to get new contracts into the site, along with new investment to enable electrified access to the mainline railway I’m hopeful we can do the same again.
“St Rollox should be looking forward to forming part of a growing railway supply chain in Scotland, not a sudden closure by a new owner looking for a quick exit from the site before properly exploring all options for its future.”
The Scottish Government has said it is disappointed with the announcement, with representatives meeting with officials from Gemini Rail as recently as last week.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was asked about the plant at Holyrood on Thursday, and announced a meeting between interested parties would be convened.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to supporting rail services and have made record investment in the sector in recent years, including new rolling stock and towards improved infrastructure.
“Although the award of contracts for heavy maintenance of rolling stock is a commercial matter for the leasing companies, we and our partners will do everything in our power to prevent this closure, including working with unions, the workforce and the company involved to explore all options.”
However, bosses at the Springburn plant stressed that these were only proposals to close the facility at this stage and no final decision had been taken.
A spokesman added: “We recognise the dedication and hard work of all staff at Springburn and know this will be an upsetting period for them and their families.
“Our priority now is to provide them with the most effective support with both collective and individual consultations. We will provide all assistance possible to help staff understand the options available to them and keep them fully informed of the consultation process.”