In an example of successful industrial relations practice, a ballot has been won that will "ensure the continuing viability and competitiveness of a major plant", as well as "clearing the way for the new $40 million investment package planned".

Staff at the Lufthansa Technik Airmotive Ireland plant in Co Dublin have voted overwhelmingly to accept proposals that, it has been suggested, will effectively save 465 jobs at the factory.

The trade union Siptu Banch Organiser Teresa Hannick told the Irish Times that the result followed 11 hours of talks between unions and management at the National Implementation Body.

The ballot of staff was then passed by a majority of four to one.

Last Wednesday the firm put the 465 workers at the Rathcoole plant on protective notice in a dispute over changes in work practices, after staff voted to reject Labour Court proposals on the introduction of those reforms.

The company said it had therefore halted a planned $40 million investment in a new engine line as a result of the decision by the workers, and that 150 workers might have to be laid off.

Another union spokesman, TEEU General Secretary Designate, Eamon Devoy said unions and management were both "mindful of the need to protect the 465 jobs and the future of the aircraft maintenance industry in Ireland".

Meanwhile, over 50 jobs are to be lost at C&D Foods Limited in Edgeworthstown in Co Longford.

The company has announced that they are entering into a formal 30-day consultative period with all the 53 members of staff concerning ongoing reorganisation.

That process is likely to end in their redundancy and follows 29 redundancies announced at the end of March.

(BMcC)