Work-in begins at resource centre
Martin Mason said he would be completely lost and isolated without this service.
Mr Mason, who is not able to work for medical reasons, said he started using the centre when he became unemployed.
“Without this service, I would never have come this far,” Mr Mason said. “It would be a massive loss, not only from a learning point of view but it also gives you a reason to get up every day, to go out and interact on a social level.”
He has spent nearly four years learning German at the centre.
“When you’re unemployed you lose hope and dignity. I was very down but this centre welcomed me and really lifted my spirits,” Mr Mason said.
“Shutting down this centre will cause people to drift away aimlessly into society. The centre gives them a purpose and allows them to learn they become a part of something here.”
The resource centre, located on North Main Street, closed on December 22 after the loss of a Fás funding contract. The eight ex-employees have since staged a work-in at the centre on a voluntary basis.
The centre, which is formally run by the Cork Council of Trade Unions, was re-opened this week in a protest move inspired by former workers at the Vita Cortex plant.
Manager William Fitzpatrick said the centre will remain open and that the workers have no intention to stop working.
“The people attending the centre are part of the 99% that don’t get listened to,” Mr Fitzpatrick said.
“Politicians constantly say they understand how unemployed people feel but how can they have a clue when they are cutting off vital resources for them.”
North Main Street Traders support the protest. Treasurer Patrick Leader said the service is imperative in getting people back working.
“There is a massive footfall in this area,” Mr Leader said. “It’s very dangerous for small businesses. North Main Street is made up of homegrown industries and already two premises have recently closed down.”
More than 2,000 people use the resource centre facilities every month. The employment centre offers English, Spanish, German and French classes along with CV and interview preparation labs.
Kevin Clarke, one of the core workers at the centre, said the workers were told they would be moved to Farranree to carry out similar positions.
“So far only one person has been given a similar position. I am 60 years of age and they are asking me to do shift work carrying out menial duties. It is totally unacceptable. We are fed up with the way people are treated in this country.”
The protesters said they have received a great reaction from the people of Cork and from the Occupy Cork protesters.
Mr Fitzpatrick also paid tribute to the workers at Vita Cortex, who were also shut down just days before Christmas and have been engaged in a sit-in since December 17.
Mr Fitzpatrick said they are in talks on how to save the centre but that they will be seeking non-government funding.
In the meantime, the workers will remain at the centre and keep offering the services.
