By Edwin Mashonganyika
Nearly 100 workers at the Scotsman Printing Department Caledonian Offset Limited (COL) are likely to be made redundant next month when a proposal to cease printing production at the site is expected to be finalised.

In a letter to the affected members of staff the Managing Director, David Wells advised that, if the idea was implemented, printing production would be moved to Johnston’s Press in Sunderland as well as Trinity Mirror Sites and News International’s Eurocentral Site.

“The reason behind the proposal are that it has been identified that Johnston Press’s printing needs can more efficiently and effectively be met by moving work to Sunderland, Trinity Mirror and News International.

“Currently excess capacity exists in the News Paper printing Industry which means very competitive terms have been negotiated with Trinity Mirror and News International. It is also the case that significant investment in that Plant and machinery would be required at Caledonian Offset Ltd to ensure the ongoing quality standards our publishers demand”, Wells said.

The Managing Director noted that ‘clearly’ by ceasing production at COL, the investment would no longer be required.

“In summary these factors, and others, combine to create a strong and compelling business case for the cessation of News paper printing at COL” , Wells added.

Formally advising the workers that their employment was at risk, Wells said the role of the workers had been identified as “potentially redundant”.

He said a period of consultation was now underway and would take place both individually and collectively.

Wells said the purpose of the consultations was to provide a means of employee input while proposals remained at the formative stage, “to consider ways of avoiding or reducing the number of redundancies proposed and to consider ways of mitigating the effects of redundancy of affected people.”

“During this process you will have every opportunity to speak to me to raise any questions or concerns you may have. A decision of whether the role is to be made redundant will not be made without you having had the chance to contribute to the discussions”, explained Wells.

The Managing Director said he realised that the news may have come as a shock and that the workers may have had unanswered questions.

He encouraged the workers to speak to a staff forum or a Trade Union representative as it was their right to be represented during any discussions and meetings regarding the proposals.

An anonymous source said the longest serving member at COL was around 36 years.