Workers say Bourns viable

Workers at Bourns Electronics in Mahon pleaded with management this morning to reconsider their plans to relocate the firm to Hungary and Mexico.

The company told staff yesterday that they were axing 80 jobs at their base in Cork due to increased operational costs in Ireland and global competition.

Some 10 jobs at the company, which manufactures electronic components for the car industry, will remain in Cork.

Siptu met with staff this morning before a further meeting with management was to be held.

Siptu spokesman John Pearson said they would urge management to reconsider because the Cork plant was still viable.

“The Cork plant has been doing very well to the point that it has been a major contributor to the success of Bourns as a whole,” said Mr Pearson.

Workers were also seeking the intervention of Minister for Enterpise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin who said that every effort would be made to help secure alternative jobs for staff.

Article courtesy of The Evening Echo newspaper.