ALL 308 employees at Farah clothing plants in Cos Galway and Mayo face a three day working week if they continue to oppose management plans to lay off 110 staff.
A delegation from the US owned company, led by the chief executive of its Irish and British operations, Mr Eric Thornton confirmed at a meeting in Galway yesterday that production has already been scaled down at its two Mayo plants.
At a conciliation conference organised under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission and IBEC, SIPTU representatives strongly reiterated their opposition to an offer of voluntary redundancy with statutory entitlements only. According to the union's regional secretary, Ms Janet Hughes, the company said it did not have any funds to improve the offer.
"As an alternative, it was proposed to introduce short time working in the two Mayo plants, that is a three day week, commencing next week. This would continue over a four week period until all workers in Mayo are on a three day week," she said.
While management had indicated that a review would be made within three months, SIPTU regarded the arrangement as being indefinite. Short term working in Galway is likely to take effect from February 22nd though a further meeting with management was necessary on this, she said.
While there had been indications that the IDA and Forbairt were involved in discussions with parties interested in investing in the plants, SIPTU was "very disappointed" sufficient progress was not made to avoid the measures now facing the workforce, Hughes added.
"Production is being reduced. Work has been diverted to Morocco. They face redundancies or a three day week. It is very bleak and depressing as the situation seems to be getting worse with every meeting."
Workers at the three plants are due to be briefed on the meeting by tomorrow and to decide what stance they will take.
A management representative was not available for comment.