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Ex-Nortel workers in protest vow
Friday, 10 July 2009
One of the big names in the Northern Ireland economy is facing a summer of discontent over the treatment of workers made redundant at its ailing plant, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal today.
Angry ex-workers of Nortel Networks in Newtownabbey have vowed to stage a series of protests beginning today with a picket at the Doagh Road site.
The controversy has echoes of the bitter Visteon dispute in Belfast earlier this year, with a lack of redundancy money among the main grievances.
In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph today, the Nortel protesters said: “We are not going to let up in our fight for justice.
“Nortel sent us packing with no redundancy money, no notice and no right of appeal.
“People with decades of loyal service were just shown the door. Employees on maternity leave and sick leave were among those who were selected for redundancy. A number of public protests have been held and there will be more to come.
“We are appealing for active support from political representatives at the Assembly. Our case has similarities to the Visteon dispute in Belfast and we need strong backing from public representatives and the community.”
The Nortel telecommunications plant at Monkstown — once viewed as one of the success stories of the economy here — is currently in administration.
Around 100 employees have lost their jobs there in recent months, leaving a workforce of some 400.
No redundancy money was paid by the company, meaning ex-workers would just receive statutory minimum sums.
The ex-employees also point out that bonuses and overtime are still being paid within the factory.
Meanwhile, tribunal cases are planned by former workers to challenge the company.
In a statement, Nortel said:“Nortel Networks (UK) Limited is continuing to trade whilst in administration and as such it is working hard to maintain business in a difficult and challenging economic environment.
“It is unfortunate that we have had to make headcount reductions during the administration, but they have been necessary to reduce costs in the ongoing business and are essential to the survival of the business. This action has been taken to protect the opportunity for employment for the remaining staff in the company whilst efforts continue to secure the future of the business.”
Nortel’s headquarters in Toronto filed for bankruptcy earlier this year after a downturn in international business.
Its chief executive Mike Zafirovski has faced controversy in Canada over a decision to pay $45 million in bonuses for executives, while refusing severance pay for thousands of employees there.
Nortel’s headquarters announced a loss of $244 million for the first quarter of 2009.
However, its cash balance stood at $2.48 billion.
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Comments
27 Comments
not certain contributors, someone who tried to pick up someone at the front gate and couldnt, and when they did come out they had flag shoved in face and abused by another.
Posted by reader | 18.07.09, 23:30 GMT
I do not understand why certain contributors are suggesting the protests are by some frightening anonymous mob, preventing workers from entering the factory. First of all not one person was prevented from getting to work. Secondly this 'frightening mob' on Friday past included amongst others a father and his three year old son, a mother and her 11 week old baby, a man on crutches with a back injury, others nearing their retirement… were these people ever known to be 'intimidating' before?
Posted by Mark | 14.07.09, 17:16 GMT
In the past people have received large redundancy packages & many volunteered. These people were given no notice and no redundancy package. Agreed legal procedures weren't followed and the people who are left will most likely find themselves in the same situation. It's not the intention of the protesters to intimidate anybody, they simply want to raise awareness of what has happened and fight for their rights.
Posted by Daphne | 12.07.09, 22:32 GMT
think we all support the people that lost the job, but it is a pity they cant demonstrate without being intimidating
Posted by a reader | 12.07.09, 20:55 GMT
john, i think your just upset because of the inconvenience of having to go through the back gate like the rest of the working class people, if all protests had the 100% support from people like you i dont think they would win anything. let the people get on with it they are protesting to help you as well remember, your ethics are like nortels,i take it your management.
Posted by reply to john | 12.07.09, 20:36 GMT
how can you say that people would take their jobs back,such a load of nonsense,after the way they were treated dont think so,what sort of principles do you have?i lost mine and i know for a fact i wouldnt take mine back.
Posted by reply to john | 12.07.09, 20:28 GMT
thats because the people who went previously got their proper money,do you not realize some people who went this time are losing up to 30,000 pounds. would you like that?
Posted by reply to cher | 12.07.09, 20:19 GMT
all these people werent protesting when previous employees were let go in the past
Posted by cher | 12.07.09, 00:31 GMT
Colin, I'm afraid you talk nonsense, I support the people that lost their jobs 100% but they need to protest in the right way.
The truth is, if everyone that stands at the front gate protesting were offered their jobs back tomorrow not to many would turn them down.
Posted by John | 11.07.09, 17:16 GMT
Good front page coverage Belfast Telegraph. From the story, it does appear those made redundant after many years service, did get a bad deal. What are the politicians VISIBLY doing to assist / support the people that were made redundant ? Have they been present at any of these protests ?
Posted by Reader | 11.07.09, 16:52 GMT
shame on u john wait till u get told 2 clear ur desk ur out n c how it feels how every 1 that walks thru that gate can sleep at nite? nortel pullin the plug just shut it down b4 they do n sit it out
Posted by colin | 11.07.09, 16:14 GMT
OK, so if they are not preventing people getting into work, why say "if you leave people off just below or above the gate there won't be a problem" the truth is, in their own way, they are intimidating people, I know that for a fact, I have been prevented fom going in the front gate with a nasty comment from a previously 'friendly' colleague.
Posted by John | 11.07.09, 15:49 GMT
i have heard it all now people petrified, i have been on the protest and have never heard an angry word said to anyone,maybe if you leave the people off just below or above the gate there wont be a problem,then you can go to where ever your going, i take it you dont work in nortel, and when you have worked for a company for over 30 years and then got booted out with no redundancy, no notice,not even a thank you, let me know how you felt,then you will understand the reason why we are protesting.
Posted by reply to val | 11.07.09, 14:01 GMT
i dont know why people are trying to label the protesters as a threatning mob, afterall they are actually fighting to get the employees that are left,their proper money as well.they should be applauding the protesters for putting up a fight for them. its a guilty conscience of some of the people who know they should be supporting their friends and ex workers, that is causing the friction.
Posted by reply to john | 11.07.09, 13:37 GMT
oh i agree they have been treated poorly but harassing others....
Posted by Paul | 11.07.09, 11:09 GMT
It's a disgrace the way that these ex-nortel employees were treated. Mike Zafirovski and all his cronies should hang their heads in shame.
Posted by cd | 11.07.09, 09:21 GMT
keep up the fight people we are not wasting our time we have great support from canada,u.s.a. france, germany and england
Posted by den | 11.07.09, 09:08 GMT
being abusive and stopping people going into work is helping you get your job back..... how??
Posted by Paulie | 11.07.09, 08:31 GMT
surely these hard working people who have given years of service to nortel deserve to be treated better than this.
Posted by harry | 11.07.09, 00:17 GMT
they are wasting their time
Posted by cher | 10.07.09, 23:47 GMT
27 Comments