GMB welcomes UK contest to build Faslane dry docks

GMB Scotland today welcomed the Chancellor's promise that huge dry docks for the Faslane submarine base will be built in the UK.

The union has campaigned for the contract, known as Programme Euston, to be shared between Navantia yards in Fife and Belfast and hailed the announcement that the crucial naval infrastructure will be built in the UK.

Chancellor John Healey is expected to tell the Labour Party conference in Liverpool that the contract to build floating harbours for the UK nuclear submarine fleet at the Clyde naval base will be awarded after a UK-only competition.

Robert Deavy, GMB Scotland senior organiser in engineering, welcomed the announcement, adding: “For far too long, UK contracts have been sent around the world to fund good jobs and apprenticeships everywhere but the UK. 

"The world has changed and it is good to finally see a UK government ready to invest in our sovereign industrial capability. It is beyond time.

"Programme Euston is a potentially transformative contract and keeping it in the UK promises better news for workers and communities not only in Fife but up and down the country.

"We now urge the Scottish government to work with UK ministers to deliver the investment needed to support the necessary apprenticeships and training to secure this contract."

The union said the direct award of the Faslane contracts is a huge opportunity to secure skilled jobs and apprenticeships at the UK yards for years to come.

GMB, one of the biggest unions in manufacturing, has called calling for a fundamental overhaul of defence procurement rules, including mandatory engagement with UK shipyards and recognised trade unions, stronger ministerial oversight of major defence service contracts, and enforceable social value criteria to ensure public money supports domestic industry.

ENDS