Sacked workers at the shut-down Visteon car components factory in Belfast are due to end a seven week sit-in today after winning an improved pay-off deal.
The jobless workers plan to march out of the factory gates on Finaghy Road North at lunchtime and head to a local hotel to host a reception to say a big ‘thank you’ to all who supported them through their campaign.
They have agreed to leave the west Belfast premises once a compensation package is in place for payment.
But they plan to campaign on for a deal over their pension rights.
Workers have been occupying the factory at Finaghy Road North since 610 jobs were lost at Visteon’s three plants in Belfast, Basildon and Enfield.
Workers’ spokesman Gerry Campbell said the redundancy package does not compensate for the loss of jobs and trades, or the fact many have been deprived of their pension entitlements, but added it will help them to move on with their lives.
“In terms of aligning all people for the greater good, we believe we have achieved more than we or anyone else could have ever dreamed of,” said Mr Campbell.
“In that respect we are all extremely proud to have been involved in this dispute.” Visteon was set up in 2000 as a Ford spin-off and took over factories formerly owned by the car giant.
Its 610-strong UK workforce was laid off on March 31st with just one hour’s notice.
The Belfast workers refused to leave the plant despite administrators getting a High Court order. They said those who had worked at the plant when it was hived off by Ford had been promised - in writing - Ford-type compensation in the event of redundancies.
But it took more than a month before they got an offer which the employees in Belfast backed to end the bitter dispute. It was worth some ten times what they were offered originally.
It included improved redundancy payments and compensation for holiday pay and in lieu of notice.
“After bringing Ford and Visteon back to the negotiating table through a moral and dignified protest we have achieved all that we can through this action,” said Mr Campbell.
“While we acknowledge the jobs are gone, we started this campaign with absolutely nothing.
“This campaign is far from over. The fight for the pensions will continue in earnest.” West Belfast MP Gerry Adams said without the unity and determination of the Belfast workers, this breakthrough would not have been possible.
“Unfortunately, it has not been possible to bring back the jobs,” said Mr Adams.
“However, Ford and Visteon have been forced to negotiate a compensation package which was not on offer when they closed this plant. In addition, by taking this stand up for workers rights, hope has been given to other workers.”
PA