Lord Mayor Mary O’Dowd is to seek a meeting with Smurfit Westrock and trade union officials after confirmation 55 workers at the company’s Lurgan base were facing redundancy.
The global paper and packaging giant confirmed plans for the cuts at its Annesborough industrial estate facility – roughly a third of the workforce – 11 days ago.
Trade union Unite has warned that proposed redundancies could be the first step towards the site’s eventual closure – a claim the company has not publicly addressed in detail.
Smurfit Westrock says it has begun a consultation process to restructure the Lurgan plant and this is part of a planned investment programme over the next 18 months that will strengthen and modernise operations, enabling the company to build on its long-term commitment to customers while continuing to focus on service, quality and innovation.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, meanwhile, has said there is “absolutely no justification” for the proposed cuts, pointing to the group’s latest financial results.
“Smurfit-Westrock is a hugely profitable company paying out hundreds of millions to shareholders every quarter,” she said.
Now Lord Mayor Mary O’Dowd has indicated she would like to meet with both employer and union and voiced her “deep concerns” over the proposed redundancies and said her “thoughts are with the workers and their families”.
“The potential loss of 55 jobs is deeply concerning and will understandably cause considerable uncertainty and anxiety for those workers affected and their families,” added Councillor O’Dowd.
“Smurfit Westrock has been an important employer in Lurgan for many years, providing skilled manufacturing jobs and making a valuable contribution to the local economy and wider community.”
“As Lord Mayor, I want to express my support for the workers and their families during this very difficult and uncertain time.
“I intend to seek a meeting with the company and trade union representatives to better understand the circumstances surrounding this proposal and to explore every possible option to protect jobs and secure the long-term future of the Lurgan plant.”
ABC Council has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local people affected by this announcement.
Through its leadership, coordination and signposting role, the council – in collaboration with a wide range of statutory partners – says it will work to ensure those impacted can “access the advice, guidance and support they need to help them move forward positively to their next employment opportunity”.
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