'Seagate workers need defending now' - Cllr Emmet Doyle

Aontú Ballyarnett councillor, Emmet Doyle, has called for immediate clarity from Seagate Technology regarding rumours the company will make hundreds of workers redundant following a $300m fine for illegal trading practices in the US.

Cllr Doyle said: "We are being drip fed doom by Seagate management locally as to the potential for job losses in Springtown. Workers need to be told upfront what is happening.

"Seagate is facing a $300m fine in America for illegal trading practices and Derry is now going to suffer.  We had the 'Economic Envoy' lauding Seagate only last week as proof Derry wasn't being left behind - those words rang hollow then as they do now.

"Only a short time ago we had politicians back slapping each other over a quarter century since the Good Friday Agreement - supping with the great and good and now this. We have a duty to support these workers to the hilt and secure these jobs for Derry.  

"The impact of what is being mooted will affect many in the supply chain right across the North West and hand wringing if Seagate confirm the news will fall far short of what these workers and their families need from political leaders. I will keep supporting workers as I've been doing in recent months during their struggle for union recognition."

ENDS