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03/04/2014
Visteon Pension Deal Agreed
Unite has said it has reached an agreement with a now-closed factory in West Belfast over pension payments for former staff.
The Visteon factory closed five years ago and at the time, the decision led to a number of protests by former workers.
More than 200 jobs were lost when the car parts plant closed in 2009, with workers having only been given an hour's notice of the closure. A sit-in protest was staged at the facility over a pension agreement.
It has been claimed that, when Visteon took over the factory from Ford in 2000, the company promised to equal the compensation promised to them under their previous workers in the event of redundancy.
Now, Unite says it has reached an agreement with Ford, which includes staff from factories in Basildon, Essex, Enfield, north London and Swansea, as well as the Belfast site.
In a statement, the union said: "Unite has concluded an agreement with Ford to make a settlement offer to eligible ex-Visteon employees who filed legal claims in connection with reductions in their pensions resulting from Visteon UK being put into administration in 2009.
"The settlement would avoid further expense for participants in the case and will settle the legal claims that these individuals have made against Ford.
"Unite and Ford have been involved in lengthy but constructive discussions to reach a position where a settlement has been offered. Details of the settlement are confidential and a private matter for those directly involved."
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell welcomed the news, saying: "This great news is a testament to the dogged determination of the workers who were made redundant back in 2009.
"Their relentless campaign for compensation following a devaluation of up to 40% of some worker pensions has now ended in success and I want to congratulate them on that."
(JP)
The Visteon factory closed five years ago and at the time, the decision led to a number of protests by former workers.
More than 200 jobs were lost when the car parts plant closed in 2009, with workers having only been given an hour's notice of the closure. A sit-in protest was staged at the facility over a pension agreement.
It has been claimed that, when Visteon took over the factory from Ford in 2000, the company promised to equal the compensation promised to them under their previous workers in the event of redundancy.
Now, Unite says it has reached an agreement with Ford, which includes staff from factories in Basildon, Essex, Enfield, north London and Swansea, as well as the Belfast site.
In a statement, the union said: "Unite has concluded an agreement with Ford to make a settlement offer to eligible ex-Visteon employees who filed legal claims in connection with reductions in their pensions resulting from Visteon UK being put into administration in 2009.
"The settlement would avoid further expense for participants in the case and will settle the legal claims that these individuals have made against Ford.
"Unite and Ford have been involved in lengthy but constructive discussions to reach a position where a settlement has been offered. Details of the settlement are confidential and a private matter for those directly involved."
SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell welcomed the news, saying: "This great news is a testament to the dogged determination of the workers who were made redundant back in 2009.
"Their relentless campaign for compensation following a devaluation of up to 40% of some worker pensions has now ended in success and I want to congratulate them on that."
(JP)
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29 March 2011
Visteon Workers In London Protests
Former workers at the Visteon car plant in west Belfast will be attending protests in London. The demonstration coincides with MPs meeting with senior management from Ford. The US firm took over the former Ford plant in 2000. 200 people lost their jobs when the Visteon plant closed two years ago with just one hour’s notice.
Visteon Workers In London Protests
Former workers at the Visteon car plant in west Belfast will be attending protests in London. The demonstration coincides with MPs meeting with senior management from Ford. The US firm took over the former Ford plant in 2000. 200 people lost their jobs when the Visteon plant closed two years ago with just one hour’s notice.
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Ford To Axe Up To 850 Jobs
Car giant Ford is to axe up to 850 jobs in the UK, it has been announced. The decision to cut the jobs - which include between 400 and 500 at the Transit van plant in Southampton - came as a response to the "serious economic situation". The workers are to be offered voluntary redundancy packages, and the Southampton cuts are to take place by May.
Ford To Axe Up To 850 Jobs
Car giant Ford is to axe up to 850 jobs in the UK, it has been announced. The decision to cut the jobs - which include between 400 and 500 at the Transit van plant in Southampton - came as a response to the "serious economic situation". The workers are to be offered voluntary redundancy packages, and the Southampton cuts are to take place by May.
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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.
