Grangemouth shut-down over pensions
Updated on 21 April 2008
The Grangemouth oil refinery starts its shutdown with the closure of a crude oil unit ahead of planned strike action over pensions in six days time.
If the union goes ahead with the strike it will effectively close down a part of the North Sea oil production and some gas output, refinery operator Ineos said in a statement on Saturday.
The Scottish first minister urged bosses and unions to reopen negotiations and also outlined the government's contingency plans for a total shut-down.
If no deal can be struck between operators Ineos and the Unite union, up to 12,000 workers will walk out.
Drivers are being urged not to panic-buy at the pumps, ahead of a threatened strike.
