60 workers set to lose jobs and more threatened

SIXTY of the 99 workers in a west Limerick manufacturing plant are to lose their jobs and a further 60 jobs are under threat at the Limerick Brothers of Charity Services.

60 workers set to lose jobs and more threatened

The US-owned Filtertek factory in Newcastle West yesterday entered talks with workers to effect a reduction in staff by up to 60.

Filtertek make filters, valves and plastic moulding products for health care companies and car manufacturers.

Meanwhile, the chief executive of Brothers of Charity Services in Limerick, Bob Sillery, yesterday informed 460 staff that 30 front-line jobs will have to be terminated by the end of December. A further 30 will go early next year as €1.5 million funding owed by the HSE has not come through.

“All our staff are in a shock that it has now got to this stage. We have been repeatedly trying to get our money from the HSE, but they tell us they haven’t any. I am meeting with SIPTU, INO and IMPACT next week to commence talks on layoffs,” said Mr Sillery.

The Brothers of Charity Services cater for 110 intellectually disabled adults at a residential centre in Bawnmore and a further 270 at daycare centres in Limerick, Newcastle West, Foynes and Sixmilebridge.

Labour health spokesperson Jan O’Sullivan TD and Michael Noonan TD have called on Limerick ministers Willie O’Dea and Peter Power to intervene as a matter of urgency

“Hundreds of Brothers of Charity clients face an uncertain future and this is causing immense hardship and problems for many families throughout the Mid-West,” Ms O’Sullivan said

Mr Noonan described it as an appalling state of affairs.

He added: “Again the most vulnerable are being targeted by this government.”

Filtertek said recent economic factors had affected the competitiveness of their products. The statement added: “The company regrets having to reduce the size of its workforce, but is confident that this action will strengthen its financial and strategic position and give it a solid foundation on which profitable growth can be built in future.”

The president of Newcastle Chamber of Commerce, Councillor Michael Collins, said: “This is a devastating blow for the town coming just in the wake of the announcement that 25 of the 80 jobs at Ballygowan here are to go. ”

x

More in this section

Lunchtime News

Newsletter

Keep up with stories of the day with our lunchtime news wrap and important breaking news alerts.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited