Skip to content
Branch News

SIPTU says over 700 more jobs could have been saved at SR Technics if Government had been willing to act

Date Released: 04 Jun 2009

SIPTU Branch Organiser Pat Ward has welcomed the news that up to 250 jobs may be saved at SR Technics as the result of the takeover by Dublin Aerospace Limited, but pointed out that for a Government investment of an additional €4 million a further 700 jobs could have been salvaged. “The Government’s policy in handling the SR Technics crisis has secured the minimum possible number of jobs and Ministers should refrain from clapping themselves on the back over the outcome”, he said.

“If Dublin Aerospace does take over the plant it is reported the cost will be around €21.2 million. But the management buyout package that would have involved the workers as well, and led to the maintenance of the full range of facilities at Dublin, was rejected because the Government would not assist with helping finance the workers’ €25 million bid. If it had, then 960 jobs would have been secured including those of 60 apprentices.

“The proposal would also have ensured continued employment for most of the 1,135 being let go on good pay and conditions. I understand the Minister and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment are “satisfied” with the outcome of the Dublin Aerospace deal. I only wish I could say the same for the SR Technics workforce and we will be seeking more information on exactly how much the cost will be to the taxpayer in real terms between the Dublin Aerospace deal and the MBO.

“We will be calling on the Government to use its shareholding in Aer Lingus to ensure the line maintenance contracts issue is addressed in a way that maintains as many jobs as possible in Ireland. We also know the tendering process has begun for the sale the sale of the garage operation begun and again, the priority strategy for the Minister and the Department should be to maximise employment here.”