The steel workers union, Community, today called on Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, to come clean and explain why he failed to act in Scotland's interest by awarding the £790 million steel contract for the new Forth bridge to foreign suppliers.
Community union believes that Mr Salmond dodged questions in Parliament in Edinburgh today by failing to explain why his government's community benefits clauses, that would have required the contractors to take account of Scotland's economic and social interests in sourcing the contract, were not part of the deal. 37,000 tonnes of steel will now be sourced from Chinese, Polish and Spanish firms in the construction of the new £1.5 billion bridge.
Michael Leahy, General Secretary, of Community said today;
'The First Minister had the opportunity to tell the people of Scotland why no Scottish steel worker will benefit from the project. This is very bad news for manufacturing in Scotland. I call again on the First Minister to halt the decision while a review of the whole procurement process takes place.'
Pat Donnely, Community's Scottish Executive member, said;
' As a steel worker for over 40 years I am shocked and dismayed by Mr Salmond's decision. It does not bode well for the future when our own government can turn its back on the industry.'
For further information contact: Paul Talbot - 07768 693936. ptalbot@community-tu.org
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