IBM workers' call for better redundancy deal backed by Sinn Féin

A CALL by IBM workers for a better redundancy package for staff whose jobs are being exported to China has been backed by Dublin West Sinn Féin representative Paul Donnelly.

Paul said the workers are being given "a raw deal":

I fully support the workers of IBM who are fighting for a better redundancy deal from the company.

It is not acceptable that the workers are only being offered a five week severance package with three of those statutory. This leaves the company paying just two weeks' salary as part of the deal.

These workers have given loyal service to a company that is one of the richest companies in the world with profits up 12% to €3.6billion.

The severance package is the exact same one as given to workers in the microelectronic division in 2004, a full six years ago. IBM have benefited from IDA grants of €19million for new projects on the same campus recently. It is also not the case that there is no work; all the jobs are being outsourced to another country.

Paul Donnelly: Backing IBM workers

Paul Donnelly, who is also Chairperson of Dublin Sinn Féin, said IBM staff have given excellent service for many years

The five weeks' severance package is derisory and an insult to the loyal staff at IBM.

I am calling on IBM to show some generosity of spirit, especially considering they are sending people out to look for work at one of the most difficult economic times in Irish history.