Warning as firm ignores talks

A UNION representing workers who are set to lose their jobs at a chipboard factory in Co Clare has accused the company of endangering the remaining jobs at the plant by refusing to attend a Labour Court hearing tomorrow.

Finsa Forest Products, based in Scariff, informed staff last month that it plans to shed up to 50 jobs. While the company has gradually reduced staff numbers in recent years, last month’s announcement came from the blue for staff at one of east Clare’s biggest employers.

The chip-board and timber products manufacturing company has been a significant employer in the area for several decades, but has initiated a restructuring process following a decline in demand from its clients in the building trade.

The company had attended conciliation talks at the Labour Court in recent weeks to agree a deal for workers who are to be let go. However, management have now refused to attend a Labour Court hearing organised for tomorrow.

A SIPTU spokesperson said: “We are calling on the company to go through the normal industrial relations procedures and attend the Labour Court hearing which has been set for Friday. The conciliation officer went to great trouble to get a court date but now the company says it won’t attend.

“From our point of view, the company could be endangering the jobs of the few people who will remain there by not going through the normal industrial relations procedures,” SIPTU warned.

Workers at the plant, members of SIPTU and the TEEU, will attend a meeting with their union officials tonight before a further meeting with public representatives, including general election candidates.

Local councillor Joe Cooney said: “It’s a disgrace how management are treating these workers.”

The company has not commented on the latest controversy.