Havelock Europa

Dear GMB Member

GMB Scotland in Havelock Europa – Important Member Update!

This morning’s announcement confirming the new investment by Rcapital is a welcome development, particularly given our situation of just 72 hours ago.

I hope the news provides some respite for you and your families, as I know from your reps the worry which had descended on the staff.

However, we must be clear that significant challenge are ahead of us as the new investors will move to implement their plans for the future of the Kirkcaldy site.

Our priority is the defence of your interests – that’s why we are seeking urgent meetings with them to sustain your jobs, pay and conditions.

We have previously said that the foundations of this business are good and built in no small part by your world-class skills and manufacturing.

Rcapital have publicly acknowledged Havelock’s underlying strengths and we sincerely hope that carries forward into their vision for jobs and investment in Kirkcaldy.

We will be in regular communication both on-site and via email and mobile over the coming days and weeks, so please ensure your contact details are up to date.

Also, if you know a colleague who isn’t a GMB member then there’s no better to time to join. Joining is easy and can be done online at www.gmb.org.uk/join 

In the meantime, if you have any questions at all then please do not hesitate to contact me at alan.ritchie@gmb.org.uk or call 0141 332 8641.

 Alan Ritchie
GMB Scotland Organiser

Dear GMB Member

GMB Scotland in Havelock Europa – Important Member Update

First of all, having spoken with your workplace representatives, I know how much worry your employer’s present situation is causing you. Please be assured that our priority is the defence of your interests.

The immediate future is very uncertain as a result of your employer’s financial position. Senior management have told us that new investment is urgently needed to sustain the business in the face of very difficult financial conditions.

That world-class manufacturing exists here is not up for debate. Your employer knows this and prospective buyers will also know this. What we are hoping for over the next few days is that a buyer steps forward to save livelihoods.

We are convinced that the foundations of this business are good and would provide new ownership with every chance to revitalise and grow a world-class manufacturing base here in Kirkcaldy.

GMB has been assured that our members and all staff will be paid on time and to the penny for this month. Moving forward we will ensure that the employment rights of our members are fully respected whatever the challenges that face us over the coming days and weeks.

We will be in constant communication both on-site and via email and mobile over the coming days. In the meantime, if you have any questions at all then please do not hesitate to contact me at alan.ritchie@gmb.org.uk or call 0141 332 8641.

Alan Ritchie
GMB Scotland Organiser

 Dear GMB Member

GMB Scotland in Havelock – Visit Re-cap & the Future

It was good to see so many of you last week when I visited Kirkcaldy and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all again for making me feel so welcome.

As I explained, during the recent uncertainty GMB has been doing what we can to ensure Scottish Government support to protect the future of the company and with it your livelihoods.

It was clear from my visit that many of you are still worried about the future and I fully understand this. These are turbulent times for our economy and the communities of Fife have suffered more than most in recent years.

While there can be no guarantees, I genuinely believe the support from the Scottish Government has only been offered because they believe Havelock Europa is a viable business. That should give us all some hope.

And I am in no doubt whatsoever that a major factor in securing that support is because of the commitment and world-class manufacturing skills of you, our GMB members.

In the coming weeks and months we will continue to work with your shop stewards and do everything we possibly can through the resources of our trade union to help deliver a positive future for our members in Havelock.

Please be assured that the priority of GMB Scotland is to defend your interests, always.

Yours sincerely

Gary Smith
GMB Scotland Secretary