Unite condemns closure of TRW Resolven plant as a betrayal
24 September 2010
Unite, the UK’s largest trade union, has condemned the decision
by TRW to close its plant at Resolven in the Vale of Neath as a
betrayal of the workforce and community.
The company announced yesterday (Thursday 23 September) its
proposal to end production at the site which employs over 200
workers. Formal consultation on these proposals commenced this
morning.
Unite Wales regional secretary, Andy Richards, said: “Coming on
the back of the recent announcement of the closure of the Linamar
plant just eight miles down the road at Jersey Marine, this is a
further devastating blow to jobs within the community and to the
Welsh Automotive supply chain.
“It also represents a cynical betrayal of the workforce and the
community and represents the latest example of how easy it is for
companies to exit the UK leaving industrial devastation
behind.”
The local Unite shop stewards have been in discussions with the
management exploring ways in which to reduce cost overheads to
attract further work and this had achieved a positive response from
both the workforce and local authority.
Mr. Richards said: “Our local officials put forward proposals
which were supported by the Neath Port Talbot local authority which
reduced overhead costs significantly in order to attract new work
to the site. Astonishingly, during this process we discovered that
the company were supplying parts to Land Rover, which should have
been built in Resolven, from another European plant.
“Upon confronting the company with this, it was revealed that
during the time we were in talks at Resolven, the company had set
up duplicate production at their other European plants. This is a
clear illustration of the company's cynical dishonesty and a
glaring example of the need for legislation to prevent the UK from
being the soft touch of Europe for unscrupulous employers.
“Our next steps will be to consult with our members at the site
who are feeling bitter and angry at the way in which TRW have
behaved and to ascertain their views. Whatever the outcome of this
process, Unite will support our members, their families and their
community.”
ENDS
For further information contact Gareth Jones, Unite regional
officer on 07970 785468 or Ashraf Choudhury in the Unite Press
Office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980 224761
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