TUAM EMPLOYERS:WORKERS AT three companies in Tuam, Co Galway, have been placed on a reduced working week.
Car component maker Valeo Vision Systems, which employ 260 people in the town, have placed half their shopfloor staff on a reduced working week. The company made 25 people redundant in November.
Switchgear maker Logstrup, which employs 60 people, has put its workshop staff on a three-day week.
The international downturn in demand for both companies’ products is being blamed for the decisions.
A third company in the town, Transitions Optical, which manufactures eyeglass lenses has also placed workers on a reduced working week.
Siptu official Michael Kilcoyne said that one-third of the town’s population was now on a three or four-day working week.
“It’s a terrible time for the workers and their families. They are facing an uncertain future and are unsure if they will be able to pay their bills and their mortgages.
“Many people are under intense pressure, while traders in the town and other businesses are also being hit,” Mr Kilcoyne pointed out.
“There is certain to be a 25 per cent reduction in the spending power in the local economy as a result of the overall slowdown,” he added.