BiFab Job Losses Would Be 'Hammer Blow' for Scottish Economy

UK union GMB said any loss of employment at Burntisland Fabrications (BiFab) would be a ‘hammer blow’ for the Scottish economy, following reports that the energy services company is facing administration. 

GMB has 440 members across BiFab’s three yards in Burntisland and Methil in Fife, and Arnish on the Isle of Lewis. The union said it had not been consulted by the employer.

“This would be a hammer blow for BiFab's workers and their communities in Fife and the Isle of Lewis, as well as the wider Scottish economy,” said GMB Scotland Secretary Gary Smith in a union statement.

“We are in contact with the Scottish Government and the possibility of losing over 600 highly skilled and decent paid jobs doesn’t bear thinking about. Letting these workers and their communities go under is not an option,” he added.

The development comes a year after BiFab secured a $131 million (GBP 100 million) contract for the manufacture of 26 offshore wind turbine jackets from Dutch contractor Seaway Heavy Lifting (SHL).

“It goes without saying that our members demand urgent answers from the employer about how it has ended-up in this position less than a year after securing such a significant contract,” Smith said.

Letting these workers and their communities go under is not an option. #BiFab #Scotland

BBC News - Burntisland Fabricators 'set to call in administrators' https://t.co/YND3PPA5ta

— GMB Scotland (@GMBScotOrg) 12 November 2017