TWENTY SEVEN workers at the civil aviation engine repair company, Airmotive, are to be laid off today as the result of an ongoing strike at the Rathcoole plant.
The company warned yesterday that it could be forced to cease operations by the end of next week if the striking employees did not return to work. Airmotive, which is a subsidiary of Aer Lingus, employs over 400 workers.
The 83 striking lead mechanics and inspectors are demanding a 10 per cent pay rise which has already been rejected twice in the Labour Court.
The company maintains the pay claim is in breach of the industrial peace clause in the Programme for Competitiveness and Work and would lead to follow on claims from the rest of the workforce.
The group secretary of the group of unions representing the striking workers, Mr Eamon Devoy, said today's lay offs were regrettable but that the strike would continue.