Further talks planned in Element 6 redundancy row

Unions and management at Element 6 in Co Clare are due to hold further talks today in an effort to resolve a row over job cuts and redundancy pay.

The company had initially announced plans to close most of the Shannon operation with the loss of 370 jobs, but it has since agreed a rescue deal that will see 240 jobs retained.

The workers, however, are refusing to support the move unless improved severance terms are agreed for the employees who will be losing their jobs.

They are currently voting on the possibility of industrial action.

The TEEU has accused the company of underhand tactics, claiming the initial closure announcement was just a tactic to reduce the redundancy package.

It also says Element 6 blamed the job cuts on the high cost base in Ireland, yet it still has plants in Sweden and Germany where the cost base is far higher.