SIPTU representatives are in negotiations with the management of Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd concerning a proposal to place workers on a three-day working week and the suspension of the sick pay scheme at its manufacturing plant in Killarney, county Kerry. SIPTU Organiser, Joe Kelly, said: “At a meeting on Thursday, 12th July, SIPTU representatives were informed by management that as an alternative to the prospect of major job losses in the plant it was instead proposing the introduction of a three-day working week for the majority of the workforce. Management has also made arrangements with factories in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK to provide temporary assignments for suitably qualified employees. “It is proposed that the three-day working week will begin in early September and be maintained until the end of 2018. No exact dates or the number of workers to be affected have been communicated to our members. SIPTU members have raised serious concerns with this proposal and negotiations are ongoing, with possible redundancy terms forming part of the agenda.” He added: “The company has also suspended the sick pay scheme at the plant indefinitely and SIPTU representatives are making every effort possible to ensure its swift reinstatement.”
SIPTU meets Liebherr management in relation to proposed three-day week
