The 430 workers at the AST computer plant in Limerick are to be told this week which of them are to be among the 148 to lose their jobs. The Korean-owned company is currently preparing to down-size its Irish operations, with the job losses expected from mid-January.
Talks are scheduled next week between AST's parent company, Samsung, and IDA Ireland, to discuss its long-term plans for the Limerick plant. Its recent announcement that it may now move its entire manufacturing operations to Britain has heightened workers' concerns about a possible closure.
One worker said last evening that the morale at the plant was extremely low and already some of the staff had left to find work as skilled operators at other technical concerns in the region.
Mr Kurt Jun, vice-president of operations and marketing for AST Europe, who is now overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Limerick company, was not available for comment yesterday. A week ago he said that the company would be "offering continued employment for a number of people" but that they were "actively considering as one option the sale of the factory". He said a further announcement would be made if such a decision was taken.
The Minister of State , Mr Willie O'Dea, who is a Limerick East deputy, said yesterday that he had discussions on the matter with the Tanaiste, Ms Harney.
