Redundant workers at Roscommon Precision Castings prevented a truck from leaving the plant for several hours yesterday morning because it was removing machinery.
They lifted the blockade of the plant, near Roscommon town, after discussions with gardai.
The workers went on strike for higher pay nine weeks ago. On June 27th the company announced it would be closing after SIPTU members rejected a Labour Court recommendation that they negotiate a profit-sharing scheme. It blamed a pay claim for an extra £60 a week as the reason.
SIPTU shop steward Mr Fintan Feerick said yesterday take-home pay for most of the male employees was around £214 a week and women workers were paid £4.80 an hour.
On July 27th, the 42 staff received statutory redundancy payments ranging from a couple of hundred pounds to £2,800 for a man with 23 years' service.
Mr Feerick said the pickets would continue to secure a better redundancy package and he called on the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, to intervene.