Seagate Workers Need Defending Now

Seagate Workers Need Defending Now - Cllr Doyle

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

Cllr Doyle:"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

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.