Staff optimistic over Coryton future (From Thurrock Gazette)
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Staff optimistic over Coryton future
3:00pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in News
Russ Ball, Unite regional officer, Richard Howitt MEP, Allun Nicks, safety chairman, Jason Williams, branch advice chairman and Russell Jackson, Unite branch chairman
WORRIED workers discussed their fears for the future of Coryton oil refinery at a meeting with MEP Richard Howitt.
The Labour European parliamentarian met with a small group of workers from the plant, which supplies 20 per cent of fuel in the South East, at the Pegasus Sports and Social Club, Herd Lane, Corringham, on Friday.
Coryton, which is off the Manorway, has been in crisis since its Swiss owner Petroplus filed for bankruptcy, threatening up to 1,000 jobs.
The workers spoke about pensions, the feelings of staff at the plant and their hopes that Cortyon will be bought by a reputable firm.
Russell Jackson, who has worked at Coryton for 30 years as a product controller and is the Unite branch chairman, said: “There are some really committed workers at the plant and we all feel there is a future for the Coryton.
“There is a positive feeling that if a reputable buyer is found then we have got a fighting chance.
“For years Coryton has been saddled with debt and this might be the chance for the plant to break free out on its own and see if it can survive.
“We feel the receivers are being honest with us and we are all trying our best to work as hard as we can in the situation we have got.”
Mr Howitt also met last week with the European Energy Commissioner and the administrators currently overseeing the running of Coryton to discuss the crisis.
He said after the meeting: “It has been very helpful to meet some of the workers and talk about their thoughts and feelings.
“I will be doing all I can in the coming weeks to help the workers.”
