Grangemouth workers march in Edinburgh to demand Jim Ratcliffe save refinery from closure

Hundreds of workers from the Grangemouth refinery in Scotland marched through Edinburgh today to demand the salvation of the oil refinery from imminent closure. The Keep Grangemouth Working rally brought together trade union members and supporters, causing traffic disruption on the Royal Mile as they headed towards the Scottish Parliament. Last year, energy giant Petroineos announced its plans to halt refining operations at the site in spring 2025, putting 400 highly-skilled jobs in jeopardy. This decision comes amidst significant financial losses for the refinery, with the company estimating a £150 million deficit for the year.

The joint venture between Ineos, led by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, and PetroChina, Petroineos, highlighted the substantial financial challenges facing the refinery. Despite claims of financial distress, trade unions such as Unite dispute the figures provided by Petroineos. Unite chief Sharon Graham addressed the rally outside the Scottish Parliament, emphasising the importance of saving Grangemouth and preventing further job losses in working-class communities. Graham criticised the notion of sacrificing workers in the pursuit of net zero goals and called for alternative solutions to be explored.

According to Iain Hardie of Petroineos Scotland, the UK and Scottish governments were informed in advance about the company’s intentions regarding the refinery’s future. Petroineos maintains that efforts to engage in discussions with policymakers for a transition to cleaner energy were met with little response or support. The lack of government assistance has left the future of the refinery hanging in the balance, with no concrete plans in place to extend its operational life.

The plight of the Grangemouth refinery serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing traditional industries in the transition to a greener economy. The rally in Edinburgh symbolises the collective voice of workers and supporters urging for decisive action to safeguard jobs and the local economy. As the debate between stakeholders continues, the outcome will not only impact the livelihoods of hundreds of workers but also shape the future trajectory of energy production in Scotland.

In conclusion, the Keep Grangemouth Working march in Edinburgh sheds light on the complexities of balancing economic viability with environmental sustainability. The call to action from workers and trade unions underscores the human impact of industrial decisions and the need for collaborative solutions to preserve jobs and communities. As the discussions unfold between industry players and policymakers, the fate of Grangemouth refinery hangs in the balance, representing a critical turning point in Scotland’s energy landscape.