Container firm workers stage pensions protest

UPWARDS of 350 staff at the Liebherr container crane factory in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday downed tools in a one-day stoppage over pensions.

The union, which has also banned overtime, warned that the action could be part of a series of one-day stoppages. The action was agreed in a ballot of SIPTU members at the plant.

The German-owned factory, which manufactures cranes for major ports around of the world, has been enjoying a boom in recent years and has close to 500 employees A decision by the company to close off a defined benefit pension scheme to new employees has led to industrial action.