Unions to meet examiner next week
Plant can play critical role in enhancing Ireland’s recycling capacity
Unions representing workers at Wellman International in Cavan are calling on the government to intervene to find an alternative owner following the news that the plant, currently owned by multinational Indorama Ventures, is to enter examinership.
SIPTU, Unite and Connect met with workers in recent days and will be engaging with the examiner next week.
SIPTU Organiser Alan Clark said: “The announcement that Wellman International will now enter into examinership is a body blow to the community, Wellman have been an established employer in Mullagh, Co Cavan, for over 50 years so SIPTU is calling on the Government to intervene and protect as many jobs as possible.”
He added: “The reality is that any job losses will have a major impact not only on our members but the local community. SIPTU is calling on all local public representatives to put their shoulders to the wheel and work with the IDA to support these workers in securing a prospective purchaser or investor in order to protect the long term security of employment in the area.”
Unite Regional Officer Michael O’Brien said: “The workers are very clear that the plant can be turned around if the majority of plastic recyclables currently being exported was instead processed locally. This plant can play a critical role in helping Ireland meet our EU plastics recycling targets and must not be allowed to close by default. When we meet the examiner next week, Unite will be stressing that the expertise and experience of the workforce must be harnessed to maximise the chances of finding a buyer and preserving these vital jobs and skills.”
Connect National Construction Official Tom Faulkner said: “The loss of these vital jobs would not just impact those currently employed by Wellman, but would also have a devastating impact on the community as a whole. We are calling on the government to ensure that all relevant agencies work together with the examiner to secure a new investor in order to safeguard the 217 jobs and the future of the plant going forward”.
