Govan Workers Push To Win Contract

Union chiefs from Glasgow's Govan shipyard met British defense ministry officials to press their case for winning a $400 million contract that could save the yard. Union officials said a consortium that includes the yard, recently sold by Kvaerner to U.K. defense group BAE SYSTEMS, is one of four finalists for a contract to build six RoRo equipment transport ferries. Union leaders met with the defense procurement minister to argue why the work should go to Govan - a move that politicians say could safeguard up to 1,000 jobs. Despite the political pressure - and the fact two other bidders are foreign - the MoD has said it wants to ensure maximum value for money and that U.K. shipyards will have to ensure their competitiveness. The fate of Govan, the biggest remaining shipyard on the once-booming Clyde River, hangs in the balance following recent comments by BAE that the yard's future depends on its ability to win big contracts like the ferries.