MORE THAN 200 Visteon car workers ended their seven-week sit-in at the former car components plant yesterday after winning a better redundancy package.
The workers ended their “occupation” of the factory in west Belfast yesterday after their protest which began on March 31st resulted in them winning a much-improved redundancy deal. Led by a piper they paraded out of the gates of the plant and went to a local hotel to hold a special reception for their supporters.
Some 200 workers who were sacked in March achieved a deal that was worth 10 times more than what they were offered under the original redundancy terms, according to their union Unite.
Visteon, a Ford spin-off company, closed three loss-making components plants in Belfast, Basildon and Enfield in England. The 610-strong workforce, including the Belfast workers, was laid off at short notice. Visteon was set up in 2000 as a Ford spin-off and took over factories formerly owned by the car giant.
The workers said they had brought Visteon and Ford “back to the negotiating table through a moral and dignified protest”.
“We have achieved all that we can through this action,” they added. “While we acknowledge the jobs are gone, we started this campaign with absolutely nothing. However, our actions – bolstered with the tremendous support of family, friends, local community and all politicians – have given people a cushion to allow them to move on with their lives. This campaign is far from over. The fight for the pensions will continue in earnest.
“We believe we have achieved more than we or anyone else could have ever dreamed of. In that respect we are all extremely proud to have been involved in this dispute. The Visteon workers have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support they have received,” they said.
The local MP and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the workers achieved their improved redundancy terms by their unity and determination.
