Fears for Liebherr jobs as Siptu workers reject court recommendation
Local politicians said everybody needed to “unite to safeguard” jobs at the company, which is one of Killarney’s most important employers.
About 300 Siptu members are in dispute with Liebherr and yesterday voted on the court’s recommendation that the company pay a 2.5% increase, backdated to May 2012. It is understood that 160 of the 265 members who voted said no.
The union could not be contacted for comment last night, but is expected to issue a statement today.
Liebherr had accepted the Labour Court recommendation, but insisted payment was subject to changed work practices at the 670-job plant.
Siptu had sought clarification from the Labour Court in relation to what was being required by the firm. Members voted on the basis of that.
The parties agreed to go to the Labour Court following a one-day strike by Siptu members in November.
In December, the company warned it was “re-evaluating” its dependence on the plant in the wake of the dispute.
A pre-Christmas announcement by Liebherr, that it had started to transfer work to some of its other plants in Europe, also fuelled concerns.
The annual Liebherr wage bill comes to €40m, with a further €30m going to other companies and suppliers in the south-west.
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae last night said it was of paramount importance that compromise be reached to ensure the protection of jobs.
“Liebherr, despite the recession, has continued to attract very valuable orders and has actually increased its workforce in the last few years. Every effort must be made to ensure that continues. Every one of us must now put our shoulders to the wheel and unite to safeguard these jobs.”
Killarney mayor Paddy Courtney said he had been hoping for a settlement, but now wished that whatever communications were needed would happen so that a suitable agreement could be reached as soon as possible.
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