Date Released: 24 August 2020
SIPTU representatives have referred a dispute concerning redundancy payments a car parts manufacturer BorgWarner in Tralee, county Kerry, to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
SIPTU Organiser, Joe Kelly, said: “Discussions with management at BorgWarner have reached an impasse day with the company unwilling to agree a fair redundancy package for the 117 SIPTU members who face losing their jobs due to the closure of the plant.
“Our members, their families and communities will suffer the consequences of these job losses long after the shutters have come down on this plant. Its closure was announced to our members on 28th July. Management presented redundancy terms at that time without consultation with the workers’ representatives.
“SIPTU representatives tabled what we believe to be a fair and reasonable request in relation to redundancy payments to the company on 6th August at the first meeting of a consultation process. Unfortunately, the company has steadfastly refused to accede to this request or discuss the possibility of reaching a fair solution.”
He added: “We received official confirmation from BorgWarner on Friday 21st August stating it would not be agreeing to our members’ redundancy request. A greatly inferior redundancy package was offered. Management has stated that if our members do not accept this offer it will revert to its original offer made on 28th July. This has left SIPTU representatives with no alternative other than to seek assistance from the WRC.”
SIPTU Shop Steward, Gerrard Treanor, said: “Our members, many of whom have provided more than 25 years’ service to the company, are deeply disappointed with the management’s approach and its failure to even consider a previous Labour Court recommendation in relation to redundancy packages at the company.”
