Grangemouth worker quits
The Grangemouth worker whose dispute with the refinery started a spat that took the plant to the brink of closure resigned yesterday with immediate effect. Stephen Deans, who is an official in the Unite union, was suspended by plant owner Ineos after it was claimed he conducted union business while on work time. The treatment of Deans led to a strike vote that last week prompted Ineos to announce the closure of Grangemouth’s petrochemicals plant. It has since reversed the decision. The company had been due to meet with Deans today to conclude an 18-month probe into his actions. Grangemouth is a key source of fuel for Scotland and northern England.