asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware of the inadequate prior consultation with the ITGWU by a Cork textile company (name supplied) concerning the group's decision to phase out 146 jobs at their Blackpool plant by 2nd July, 1971 arising from reorganisation and rationalisation due to the changing trading conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Textile Company.
5.
The firm in question notified the workers of the forthcoming redundancies on 14th June and sent copies of the notices to me. This period of notice satisfies the requirements of the Redundancy Payments Act. I have not had any complaint from the union about inadequate prior consultation.
The regional director of the National Manpower Service of my Department in Cork visited the firm on 15th June and subsequently interviewed the workers. There are 68 men and 42 women involved. The prospects of employment for all the women in associated firms are good. There are also good prospects of other employment for 27 of the men. The National Manpower Service are continuing their efforts to find jobs for the balance of the men.
Surely the Minister does not consider that complying with the rules for the purpose of the Redundancy Payments Act by giving a minimum notice of two weeks is sufficient notice when a firm decide to close down?
The longer the notice given, the better I should like it.
Would the Minister try to encourage firms, even in their own interests, to give longer notice? Surely they would know much further in advance than a fortnight that they would be closing down?
They might not.
In that case they would be very bad businessmen.