SIPTU says hopes remain that jobs can be saved at the Avara Pharmaceutical plant in Shannon.
Representatives of the union and the liquidator appointed to the plant are continuing discussions in a bid to find a way forward for the business and its 114 employees.
The plant has been ordered into liquidation by the High Court, and workers have expressed fears that they won’t get promised statutory redundancy payments in the event that their jobs do go.
Last evening, SIPTU representatives announced a fresh round of meetings with Avara’s liquidators in a bid to to agree a viable business plan that can save the jobs at the plant.
It’s the latest in a series of discussions with the court appointed liquidator – talks have also been held with Junior Jobs Minister Pat Breen.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Alan O’Leary says there are still options on the table that could see the jobs saved, including the possibility of an outside buyer:
The focus of the talks remains on preserving the company’s future.
In the event of redundancies, however, some staff have expressed concern that they won’t get an adequate package and over 2,000 people have signed an online petition in support of them.
For now, though, SIPTU says the focus of the talks is to save as many jobs as possible.
A consultation period is due to end next Wednesday, August 14th, and while that’s a tight timefame, Alan O’Leary says there is still time to get a positive result.
