Mossmorran: workers must be put ahead of political blame game
The Scottish and UK governments must work with trade unions and local communities to safeguard jobs at Mossmorran, says Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell who has called for an end to political games over the future of the site.
Mark, who represents the Mid-Scotland and Fife region where Mossmorran is based, has urged both governments to put their differences aside and work in the interest of the workers.
In 2022, Mark published plans for a net zero future at Mossmorran which called for the site to pivot to skilled green jobs to protect the economy and cut emissions.
Following pressure from the Scottish Greens, in 2024 the Scottish Government promised to publish a Just Transition Plan for Mossmorran in early 2025, however no such plan has been produced.
Mark said:
“ExxonMobil’s announcement that it was closing it’s plant at Mossmorran was shocking, but it was not a surprise. The reality is that trade unions had been warning about this for years.
“The Scottish and UK governments have both known about these concerns, which makes the lack of planning even more of a kick in the teeth to the workers who rely on the plant.
“It is 18 months since the Scottish Government committed to preparing a just transition plan, but it is nowhere to be seen, and now they are on the backfoot as Exxon is cutting and running. The best time to produce the plan was then, the next best time is now.
“I will be attending the summit today and, as an MSP for the area and someone who has focused on Mossmorran for years, I will do everything I can to support the workers and take my lead from them.
“After the closures at Longannet and Grangemouth it is even more crucial that both governments work together with trade unions and local communities to safeguard jobs.
“Mossmorran worker’s skills can be used to fuel a green transition. But it will need a clear and deliverable plan and for our governments to put aside their differences and put workers ahead of party politics.”