Breaking: Kezia Dugdale steps down as Scottish Labour leader

[Denzil_DC]

39. Ugh. This is NOT a promising start from Leonard.

BiFab, a fabrication yard with its main base in Methil in Fife (northeast across the Firth of Forth from Edinburgh), was in danger of closing because of cash flow problems, with the possible loss of 1,400 jobs.

The Scottish Government worked hard (as it did before in the case of the Tata Steelworks, securing a deft deal that stopped it being mothballed) to find a solution in collaboration with the unions:

Union leaders from Unite and GMB have praised the Scottish government for its role in brokering the deal.

In a joint statement, Unite's Pat Rafferty and GMB's Gary Smith said: "Make no mistake these yards would be closed today if it wasn't for the dignity and determination of the workers and their families in Fife and Lewis to save their jobs and industry.

"With their futures on a knife edge they worked for nothing, stayed strong and resolute and by staying united they have won their future.

"Further, the Scottish government said they would leave no stone unturned and their efforts have been pivotal in bringing BiFab back from the brink."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-42026628

The GMB was Leonard's old employer before he became an MSP.

The GMB's Twitter reaction?

Link to tweet

GMB Scotland @GMBScotOrg



Full credit to @NicolaSturgeon and the Scot Gov for battling for #BiFab. Future of the contract delivered. Now to build for the long-term. #battleforBiFab

Leonard's Twitter reaction?

Link to tweet

Richard Leonard @LabourRichard



I welcome the fact that the combined pressure of BiFab workers, their trade unions and the public have forced a deal from the Government.

As we await the details of the deal, we must ensure that it protects all the 1,400 jobs under threat now and in the future.

At least some among Scottish Labour have the grace to go beyond tribalism in the face of an important victory against common odds:

Link to tweet

Pauline McNeill MSP @pauline4glasgow

Amazing news. Totally unexpected. Well done to all the workers @GMBScotOrg and @NicolaSturgeon https://twitter.com/nicolasturgeon

Leonard's first outing at next week's First Minister's Questions could get a bit bumpy.