Amended Motion 14
Scottish Shipyards Serving Scottish Shores
“That this Congress welcomes the formal commencement of sailings by the Glen Sannox and looks forward to the same for the Glen Rosa; and notes that due to failures by Scottish Ministers and previous management – including a failure to heed the multiple warnings of the Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (FMPG) workforce – that the ferries were not completed to time or budget.
“Congress calls on stakeholders to look towards the yard’s future recognising the skills and commitment of the workforce who have worked tirelessly to deliver the two ships as quickly as possible so they can serve Scotland’s island communities; and notes in particular the contributions of the yard to Scottish shipbuilding by training waves of Apprentices in Inverclyde providing them with the skills to secure a career in the sector.
“Congress believes there must be a future for FMPG and therefore welcomes the vote of confidence in the workforce through the £14m of investment in FMPG from the Scottish Government to upgrade facilities at the yard making it more efficient, productive and competitive to win future work as called for by cross-party MSPs; and believes that the publicly owned yard could easily serve as a cornerstone of an industrial strategy to provide Scotland’s publicly owned ferry fleet.
“Congress therefore calls on the Scottish Government to:
- issue a direct award for the Small Vessels Replacement Programme to FMPG;
- develop a Scottish Shipbuilding Strategy and reform procurement regulations which will ensure that any public ships commissioned to serve Scottish shores, are built in Scottish yards if able;
- conduct a review of the role of CalMac, CMAL and FMPG and whether these organisations can be incorporated or closer aligned to secure future work for Scottish yards and improved ferry services for islands; and to ensure those who work and live on the vessels are fully involved in their design and
- commit to keeping FMPG in public ownership permanently.”
Mover: GMB Scotland
Seconder: National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers
RSS