Jobs must be protected at Wicklow book binders
Issued : Friday 27 July, 2007
Labour Party TD for Wicklow Liz McManus has pledged her support to the workers occupying Reilly’s Bookbinders in Wicklow Town since Wednesday 18 July.
Deputy McManus said: “These workers between them have given over 250 yeas service to this company. The company has been in Wicklow town for 28 years and it provides services for a whole range of Govt, local authority and academic institutions. Despite its heavy workload, the workers have learned that the company is insolvent and is not paying them even statutory redundancy. This is outrageous.
“It is vital that these jobs be retained in Wicklow. I support the call for the appointment of a liquidator to Reilly Bookbinders. This would offer the opportunity for the continuation of employment of these highly skilled workers. As importantly, it would secure a service for vital state institutions, bit local and national. The idea that an employer can walk away in such an irresponsible fashion is insupportable. The occupation of the plant in Wicklow Town is the only way that these workers can insure that they are treated with respect.
“I want to ensure that everything is done to secure the jobs for Co Wicklow and to secure the future of the provision of this service in the public interest. The building is owned by Wicklow enterprise centre, and I believe there is a real opportunity for local interests to take over the company and secure the jobs for the town.
“I will be visiting the factory on Monday.”
