163 jobs to go at Atlas Aluminium plant in Limerick

More than 160 workers are set to lose their jobs following an announcement by Atlas Aluminium that it will be closing its factory in Limerick within three months.

The workers have been on strike for the past 10 days as part of a row over pay and the alleged unfair treatment of foreign workers.

Management had warned that it would be forced to close the plant if the strike did not end, but unions say the workers were not willing to resume their jobs at existing wage levels.

The 163 employees will now begin voting on a severance package negotiated with the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission.

SIPTU and the TEEU are advising their members to accept the deal, saying it is the best that can be achieved.