Coghlan repeats calls for meaningful dialogue in Liebherr dispute

Fine Gael Kerry Senator and Seanad Chief Whip, Paul Coghlan, has today (Wednesday) again appealed for union members at the Liebherr plant in Killarney to pull back from the brink. Senator Coghlan added that only fruitful dialogue can satisfactorily resolve the situation.

“When the economy collapsed in 2009, the outlook for the majority of Irish companies and their employees changed dramatically. Workers were laid off and wages were cut in all sectors. Liebherr were one of the few companies not to cut wages.

“In the engineering sector, Liebherr is top of the list in terms of pay and conditions. I understand that the average take-home pay for a skilled worker is more than 50% above the national average.

“Furthermore, Liebherr is paying another €21 million to protect the defined benefit pension scheme for present and future retirees.

“The company has invested some €50 million over the past 6 years in the Killarney plant to upgrade the production facility and provide excellent working conditions. It has also created an additional 149 new jobs in Killarney over the last two years.

“In light of these facts, I urge immediate resolution of this matter, subject to the Labour Court recommendations.”

ENDS