Menu
16/12/2011
Protect Cortex Workers Rights, Says SIPTU
The trade union SIPTU has said a way must be found to provide 32 Vita Cortex workers with their legal redundancy entitlements when the company's Cork plant ceases operation today.
Vita Cortex, a foam manufacturer owned by businessman Jack Ronan, announced in September that it intended to close the Cork plant stating that the operation's assets had been frozen by NAMA, the government's 'toxic debt' management organisation.
Following a meeting between company representatives and NAMA yesterday, it was confirmed no funds would be provided for payment of the workers redundancy entitlements.
Now, SIPTU Organiser, Anne Egar, said: "While uncertainty remains concerning who has direct responsibly for releasing funds to pay these redundancy entitlements one thing is certain, our members are facing into the Christmas period with neither a job or the monies they are legally entitled too due to the failures of others.
"NAMA does have access to a bank account with €2.5 million of Vita Cortex money in it which relates to the Cork plant’s trading, however the state agency is claiming that these funds cannot be made available as they are held in a different, but related, Vita Cortex company account.
"In the final analysis, as the workers employer, Jack Ronan has a responsibility to ensure these workers receive their redundancy payments that he must face up too," she said.
"The workers are currently considering what action can be taken to further their case and highlight the callous nature of their treatment," Anne Egar added.
Among the workers who will become unemployed when the Cork plant is closed is Sean Kelleher who has worked at the facility for over 47 years.
"I think we were treated very badly. There should have been money in place for all the workers here but there is nothing at the end of the day," Sean Kelleher said.
(BMcC)
Vita Cortex, a foam manufacturer owned by businessman Jack Ronan, announced in September that it intended to close the Cork plant stating that the operation's assets had been frozen by NAMA, the government's 'toxic debt' management organisation.
Following a meeting between company representatives and NAMA yesterday, it was confirmed no funds would be provided for payment of the workers redundancy entitlements.
Now, SIPTU Organiser, Anne Egar, said: "While uncertainty remains concerning who has direct responsibly for releasing funds to pay these redundancy entitlements one thing is certain, our members are facing into the Christmas period with neither a job or the monies they are legally entitled too due to the failures of others.
"NAMA does have access to a bank account with €2.5 million of Vita Cortex money in it which relates to the Cork plant’s trading, however the state agency is claiming that these funds cannot be made available as they are held in a different, but related, Vita Cortex company account.
"In the final analysis, as the workers employer, Jack Ronan has a responsibility to ensure these workers receive their redundancy payments that he must face up too," she said.
"The workers are currently considering what action can be taken to further their case and highlight the callous nature of their treatment," Anne Egar added.
Among the workers who will become unemployed when the Cork plant is closed is Sean Kelleher who has worked at the facility for over 47 years.
"I think we were treated very badly. There should have been money in place for all the workers here but there is nothing at the end of the day," Sean Kelleher said.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 January 2012
Vita Cortex Workers Protest At Co-Owners Home
Vita Cortex workers brought the campaign to secure their agreed redundancy payments to the home of company shareholder Sean McHenry in Douglas, Cork, on Tuesday. Six of the 32 Vita Cortex workers, who are in the sixth week of their sit-in at the former foam manufacturing plant on Kinsale Road in Cork, distributed leaflets outside the McHenry home.
Vita Cortex Workers Protest At Co-Owners Home
Vita Cortex workers brought the campaign to secure their agreed redundancy payments to the home of company shareholder Sean McHenry in Douglas, Cork, on Tuesday. Six of the 32 Vita Cortex workers, who are in the sixth week of their sit-in at the former foam manufacturing plant on Kinsale Road in Cork, distributed leaflets outside the McHenry home.
13 January 2012
Vita Cortex Campaign Brought To The Dáil
Over 300 people gathered outside Dáil Eireann yesterday to support the campaign by the Vita Cortex workers for their agreed redundancy payments. The crowd gave a rapturous welcome to 14 Vita Cortex workers who travelled from Cork to attend the demonstration.
Vita Cortex Campaign Brought To The Dáil
Over 300 people gathered outside Dáil Eireann yesterday to support the campaign by the Vita Cortex workers for their agreed redundancy payments. The crowd gave a rapturous welcome to 14 Vita Cortex workers who travelled from Cork to attend the demonstration.
10 January 2012
Support Grows For Vita Cortex Workers
The nationwide outpouring of support for the Vita Cortex workers has continued to grow after they outlined their struggle for justice on RTE’s Late Late Show on Friday 6th January.
Support Grows For Vita Cortex Workers
The nationwide outpouring of support for the Vita Cortex workers has continued to grow after they outlined their struggle for justice on RTE’s Late Late Show on Friday 6th January.
04 January 2012
Minister Concerned Over Vita Cortex Factory Workers
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has expressed his concern at the continuing situation at the Vita Cortex factory in Cork which has involved workers at the plant engaging in a sit-in arising from a dispute with their employer over redundancy payments.
Minister Concerned Over Vita Cortex Factory Workers
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has expressed his concern at the continuing situation at the Vita Cortex factory in Cork which has involved workers at the plant engaging in a sit-in arising from a dispute with their employer over redundancy payments.
27 March 2012
SF Pledges Continued Support For Lagan Brick Workers
Representatives of the Lagan Brick workers met with Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and six party councillors on Monday to update them on the long running dispute at the brick manufacturing plant in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.
SF Pledges Continued Support For Lagan Brick Workers
Representatives of the Lagan Brick workers met with Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and six party councillors on Monday to update them on the long running dispute at the brick manufacturing plant in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
