Appeal for positive talks at element six
SHANNON and District Chamber are hopeful of a positive outcome to the dialogue between parties at the troubled Shannon diamond plant Element Six, formerly de Beers.
However, a negative outcome could have long-term repercussions for Shannon and the country generally, according to Helen Downes, chief executive, Shannon and District Chamber of Commerce.
"Both sides should enter these discussions in good faith and keep their eye on the longer term. Shannon companies have had to face adversity in the past and will do so in the future. Those that have adjusted to meet the market have survived; those that have not have disappeared. However, the world is different now," said Ms Downes.
But sources at the plant said "time is now running out" in which to solve the dispute, as the company's chief executive Cyrus Jilla said 10 days ago there was only a matter of weeks in which to resolve the dispute.
Some workers at the plant have been informed that they could be laid off in early to mid September.
However, unions have warned that the company will be issued with one week's notice of industrial action if it takes any steps to implement a redundancy package without agreement.
Earlier this week, the general manager of Element Six, Ken Sullivan, said they are again requesting the Labour Relations Commission to facilitate discussions between management and SIPTU and the TEEU.
Mr Sullivan said these discussion will offer an opportunity for all involved to focus on saving jobs.
A spokesperson for the company said they are willing to engage in third party talks, contrary to the assertions of the union that they have "refused to negotiate the contents of a redundancy package for more than 200 workers."
Mr Sullivan was also informed by a letter from SIPTU this Monday indicating that the union is available for further discussions "as soon as the company indicates that it is in a position to negotiate / conciliate on our claim, in good faith."
In response, Mr Sullivan said this was always the position of the company.
The dispute centres around the redundancy package of some 207 workers, who at present are to receive a payment of two and a half weeks wages for every year of service, on top of the two-week statutory payment.
However, 150 workers who accepted a redundancy deal last January received substantially more - eight weeks for every year with the company.
Ms Downes said the price of keeping the company in Shannon "may well mean new work practices and accepting things which would not have had to be considered some decades ago."
She said the feelings of shock, aggrievance and anger at wage cuts and job losses are no doubt being felt by hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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