Almost 700 workers at General Semiconductors in Macroom, Co Cork, are to receive six weeks' pay per year of service, plus statutory entitlements. Payments will be calculated to include shift premiums and overtime, as well as basic pay. Most workers can expect between £8,000 and £25,000.
Only two employees voted against the terms, which were put to a meeting in the plant on Saturday night. SIPTU regional secretary Mr Joe O'Flynn said the package set a new headline for the electronics sector.
Gateway, which is not unionised, is understood to have offered employees six weeks' basic pay per year of service, inclusive of statutory entitlements. Mr O'Flynn said the addition of shift premiums and overtime earnings at General Semiconductors has boosted payments significantly. Basic pay at the company is around £250 a week, but total earnings average £330.
About 90 of the 670 workers have less than two years' service. They will receive an ex gratia payment of half a week's pay per year of service in lieu of statutory redundancy. Part-time workers are also to benefit from concessions to other staff on overtime and shift premiums.
The Task Force for Macroom is to meet on Thursday to seek new employment for local people. Mr O'Flynn, who is a member of the task force, says tentative job offers have already come in for about 300 General Semiconductor employees.