Rescue plan agreed for Irish Glass Bottle firm

A survival plan at the Ardagh-owned Irish Glass Bottle company is being recommended for acceptance by unions at the Ringsend …

A survival plan at the Ardagh-owned Irish Glass Bottle company is being recommended for acceptance by unions at the Ringsend plant.

The plan proposes major changes to work practices and a new industrial relations culture at the company.

SIPTU branch secretary Mr John Flannery expressed optimism the proposals would be accepted by both parties.

Mr Flannery said: "A lot of work has been put into producing this plan by all concerned and it is hoped that its acceptance and implementation will secure the future of Ardagh".

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The unions will explain the proposals to workers at meetings next week and balloting will then take place, with a result expected next Thursday.

The plan was agreed after six days of talks between management and unions at the Labour Relations Commission.

Labour Party leader Mr Ruairi Quinn welcomed the agreement and congratulated management, trade unions and the Labour Relations Commission.

"We must fight to preserve all the jobs we can, and I am delighted that compromise and common sense has been shown by all sides involved in the IGB/Ardagh plant", he said.

Fine Gael's Ms Frances Fitzgerald said: "It is now critical that a proper examination of the glass industry in this country is undertaken, both to guarantee and strenghten these jobs and to form an important part of environmental infrastructure."