GMB make this call in a new report entitled Nestlé Girvan 2012 The GMB alternative to Downsizing.
The report says “Nestlé is a major corporation with a wide portfolio of products in the beverage as well as the confectionary market for example: why couldn’t Girvan benefit from new inward investment by Nestlé to meet new markets and new demand in related product fields”.
The report also points out “In the past the site supplied a more diverse market selling as far away as to Canada, and as close to home as Tunnocks in Uddingston. Other options like trading up into the luxury chocolate product market and an expansion into the white chocolate market also need to be actively explored”.
Richard Leonard, GMB Scotland organiser, said, “Nestlé’s Girvan factory is no lame duck. The company posted operating profits of $14.1bn last year, so GMB simply do not accept the case for making a third of the workforce redundant.
“That’s why GMB continue to challenge Nestlé’s plans and are calling on them to set up a Nestlé Girvan Alternative Production Centre to progress diversification ideas and so provide security of employment.
“Nestlé talks of creating value for society as well as for its shareholders. Here is a chance for them to demonstrate this by keeping these manufacturing jobs in Girvan.”
Leonard added: “In our view it is essential that dairy related manufacturing options which take advantage of location, skills set and technology transfer are actively pursued. That could save the 20 jobs at risk and maintain employment for over 50 people in Girvan.
Nestlé has a moral and social responsibility to the workers who have made money for Nestle for 32 years and to the community in which it is located. It also has a duty to think about job opportunities for future generations too.”
Source: GMB union
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