Concern Over Possible Redundancies At L'Derry Engineering Firm

Unite the union is concerned over possible redundancies at Maydown Precision Engineering in L'Derry.

Members of the firm received letters last week over the possibility of 133 job losses.

Philip Oakes, Regional Officer, has called on the new management to "come clean" on their plans for the workforce.

Mr Oakes said: "We are very disappointed that the new owners of Maydown Precision Engineering have decided to exclude the union from their plans for redundancies in the workforce.

"It is unacceptable and a breach of our existing recognition agreement that we only found out about the planned job losses when members came forward with letters from management.

"Unite was hoping that the acquisition of Maydown by Schivo NI would mean a better working relationship with the union. Unfortunately, instead workers have been issued letters warning about unspecified numbers of job losses at the company which raises serious concerns for the future.

"Unite is asking that incoming management come clean on their plans and engage with the union as the recognised representative of the workforce. We are committed to playing a positive role in safeguarding jobs and the success of the business in the future."

(CD/JP)