Seagate management  refuses to meet councillors

The management of Seagate Technology in the city, which employs more than 1,400 people, has refused to meet a delegation of Derry City and Strabane District councillors to discuss the terms and conditions of the workforce. 

The decision has been described as “a mistake” by Ballyarnett councillor, Emmet Doyle (Aontú).

Cllr Doyle said councillors had agreed to request a meeting via the Mayor’s Office in early December following a meeting with workers, but a reply from Management turned down the request.

He added: “Seagate’s response to this issue is misguided. They have the opportunity to meet with the elected representatives of the city and district and to discuss issues important to our constituents and their workers and they should want to engage.

“Workers have spoken to me about serious issues at the Derry site and I intend to see that their concerns are treated with the respect they deserve.

“It is clear from what I have been told that Seagate only wants an internal mechanism to engage with staff, that attitude coupled with the refusal to meet me and other councillors has done nothing to improve confidence in management’s ability or intention to address problems.

“What respected business in the City would want to engage in a public spat with the local authority?” said Cllr Doyle.

Cllr Doyle said that Aontú would not be found wanting in 2023 in continuing to put pressure on Seagate not only to meet with elected representatives, but to meet the demands of workers.