Job loss details to be given to workers at Limerick automotive factory next month

STAFF at Abbeyfeale's automotive production firm Kostal are expecting to hear next month how many people will be impacted by its move to transfer production of one of its lines to China.

As previously reported, this will result in the potential loss of hundreds of jobs in the town on the Limerick-Kerry border.

The news, which came from an internal communication from management to workers, comes as the main trade union at the plant, Siptu, plan to hold talks.

READ MORE: Limerick man charged with murder pleads guilty to a shooting while in Dundon McCarthy gang

They are working to minimise any compulsory redundancies arising from the firm’s decision to move the production of on-board chargers east.

Union organiser Eva Mitchell says the decision has caused much unease and shock to the estimated 420 people working there.

She added: “Siptu will also be in contact with the Enterprise Minister Peter Burke and the IDA in order to seek their engagement in the process, with the aim of protecting as many of the high-quality jobs provided by the plant as possible.”

Ms Mitchell pledged that Siptu representatives will keep communication with the company and its members open at all times.

It has been estimated up to 150 staff may lose their jobs as part of the move.

Previously Kostal has said as much as is possible that it hopes to have news about the transfer early next month, including the impact on the number of workers and the timeline for their departure from the Abbeyfeale plant.

News of the redundancies represents a blow to the west Limerick-north Kerry area, with the matter being raised in both Dail Eireann and Seanad Eireann.

Based in west Limerick, Sinn Fein Senator Joanne Collins has previously warned of a “devastating downward spiral” in employment across Limerick and the wider region, following a series of factory closures.