Unite says government support for auto industry would stop Kirkby
Delphi job cuts
1st July 2009
The government must speed up its automotive assistance programme
urged the UK's biggest union, Unite, to help prevent a proposed 71
job losses at the Delphi plant in Kirkby, Merseyside. The
Delphi plant makes electronic car components for major companies
such as Jaguar, GM and Peugeot but is set to shed a quarter of its
workforce as a result of the collapse in the car market.
Commenting on the job cuts Unite regional officer, Phil Allman,
said: "We met with the company last week where Unite
representatives expressed their disappointment at the proposals to
make 71 workers redundant from the 300 plus workforce.
“Workers are frustrated and upset. For the past eight months
they have had lay-offs in a bid to save costs. We asked the
government for support in January yet not a penny has reached
Delphi or any UK auto firm through this difficult situation. 71 job
cuts will have a devastating economic effect on families and the
community in this already hard hit area.
“Unless there is urgent support from the UK government to
support the UK auto industry, then we will continue to see
thousands more UK skilled jobs thrown on the scrapheap.
“We urge the government to get involved and safeguard the future
of the plant and its workforce. Unite will be doing everything
possible to support our members.”
ENDS
For further information please contact Karen Viquerat on 07768
931 316 or 01704 546 500
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