Uncertainty over the future of the jobs in the Fruit of the Loom textile plants in counties Donegal and Derry yesterday led to calls for the creation of a jobs task force in the north-west.

As union officials attempted to allay fears over further cutbacks following the loss of 48 jobs at the company's Dungloe plant, there was an air of gloom among local workers.

Workers from plants in Buncrana, Raphoe, Milford and Malin in Donegal as well as Campsie and Templemore in Derry were assured their jobs were safe.

Local union official, Mr Des Courtney of SIPTU said, he was satisfied that there was no cause for concern at present.

"People are obviously concerned for their futures but the information we have suggests there are no plans in the medium term to cut any more jobs.

We have been given a guarantee by management that there will be no further job losses this year. No other multinational company can look any further into the future and give guarantees of longterm stability," he said.

He revealed that union officials were now hoping to secure an immediate meeting with the Fruit of the Loom European president and chief executive Mr Felix Sulzburger.

On the ground, workers describe the situation as very tense and some complained of not being kept informed of ongoing developments. Further rumours that the companies at the Morocco plant are upgrading their operations and transferring work to the African region have also caused great concern.

Twenty-two-year-old Malin machine operator, Ms Michelle Doherty, had planned to marry but now is doubtful.

"We are not sure what we are doing now. It is an awful situation because we can't plan for the wedding if I am going to lose my job. We just couldn't afford it" she said.

Local Moville-based Fianna Fail TD, Ms Cecelia Keaveny, said she hoped the visit of Fruit of the Loom CEO, Mr Bill Farley, from the US in the coming weeks, will finally allay fears of further job losses.

Local Labour councillor, Mr Sean Maloney, called on the Government to establish a jobs task force for Donegal, involving state agencies, trade unions and the local community.

"Ever since I started working here four years ago, hardly a month has gone by without rumours flying around", said one Campsie worker. "Of course we're all worried, but worrying doesn't pay the bills," she said.