Picketing continues

Jun 25 2009 by Kelley Price, Evening Gazette

CONSTRUCTION workers held a second day of protest at Wilton in support of sacked workers at the Lindsey oil refinery.

Up to 1,000 workers on the Ensus bioethanol plant picketed gates at Wilton, stopping motorists.

They walked out on Friday in a show of solidarity with the 650 Lincolnshire workers, joining more unofficial strikes around the country.

One worker told the Gazette: “Feelings are still running high, everyone is determined. They have dug their heels in.”

Ensus chief executive, Alwyn Hughes, said he was “hugely frustrated and concerned” for the welfare of the plant, due online this year, and future investment prospects.

“This dispute is costing a lot of money, which causes massive pressure,” he said. “It has nothing to do with us. Workers say we are a good employer, so why are they doing so much damage?”

A five-hour negotiation over the Lindsey dispute, adjourned on Tuesday, is due to resume today.