Many of the families who lost loved ones expressed anger following the announcement that lawyers acting for the company had asked and been granted further time to prepare their defence.
Speaking on behalf of the group Ian Tasker, STUC Assistant Secretary said
" The families are extremely annoyed at the tactics adopted by the company lawyers in making this application. Why have they chosen to make such a late application to delay the proceedings knowing full well that those who lost loved ones could see the prospect of, at last, seeing a process begin that could provide some of explanation as to how their loved ones died?
"It is beyond belief that these lawyers were not in a position to argue that they had not had enough time and make this application before now and this shows a remarkable lack of respect and understanding of the pain and suffering of the bereaved and those injured and unable to return to work.
"For the families now facing their third Christmas without their loved ones another empty celebration has been compounded by the cold hearted and badly timed decision of corporate lawyers, a decision that can only prolong the agony and, in some cases, increasing financial hardship faced as a result of their loss.
"We believe that the very least the lawyers could do by way of recompense is agree to reverse their decision to stop any further interim payments to the families and injured workers"
ENDS
For furthe rinformation contact Ian Tasker 0141 337 8100