3 July 1997 Edition
Solidarity for sacked Derry workers
Workers facing unemployment with the closure of United Technologies in Derry were joined in a solidarity protest outside the factory by the local community including MP Martin McGuinness. Among those protesting were workers from Maydown Precision Engineering. They transformed a similar situation when Molins Engineering relocated in 1984, and successfully established a workers co-operative.
John Hume has announced that a delegation he led to Detroit to meet with United Technologies President, Scott Grier, failed to reverse the company's decision to close the Derry factory. 600 workers face the dole. However, two hours of discussion secured the company's agreement to a task force, including the IDB, to look at alternative products for the factory site.
The closure is a disaster for the local community. An Ad Hoc Committee of some 70 community groups in Derry has come together to support the workers in whatever action they decide upon, and to work out a community response to this crisis. The closure will mean a weekly loss to the community in wages of £120,000 per week. United Technologies is the only factory in Creggan, Bogside and the Brandywell, an area with male unemployment of 60%-70%, and the worst social and health deprivation in the Six Counties.
John Hume has announced that a delegation he led to Detroit to meet with United Technologies President, Scott Grier, failed to reverse the company's decision to close the Derry factory. 600 workers face the dole. However, two hours of discussion secured the company's agreement to a task force, including the IDB, to look at alternative products for the factory site.
The closure is a disaster for the local community. An Ad Hoc Committee of some 70 community groups in Derry has come together to support the workers in whatever action they decide upon, and to work out a community response to this crisis. The closure will mean a weekly loss to the community in wages of £120,000 per week. United Technologies is the only factory in Creggan, Bogside and the Brandywell, an area with male unemployment of 60%-70%, and the worst social and health deprivation in the Six Counties.