Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

SIPTU president Jack O'Connor has previously visited the former workers of Vita Cortex, who have been staging a sit-in since December 16. Laura Hutton/Photocall Ireland
Vita Cortex

SIPTU to escalate sit-in campaign at Vita Cortex plant

The trade union will today kick off a series of demonstrations, as the families of the 32 affected workers join their sit-in.

THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST trade union will today step up its campaign to seek improved redundancy terms for former workers at the Vita Cortex plant.

32 staff at the plant were told last month that the company would not be able to fund the workers’ redundancy entitlements, with the company – a foam manufacturer – complaining that it could not meet them while its assets were frozen by NAMA.

Staff then commenced a sit-in, and turned down a revised lump sum of €1,500 each – offered to the staff if they left the plant and allowed the premises to be cleared – claiming the offer was “derisory”.

A series of SIPTU demonstrations will begin today when the families and friends of the 32 affected staff join their sit-in, in solidarity at the workers’ treatment.

Though the workers are entitled to a State redundancy payment, the company must prove its inability to pay the staff any other agreed redundancy payments.

The decision to escalate the action at the plant, on Cork’s Kinsale Road, was made after a meeting of staff last Thursday.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
15
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.