Menu
09/01/2012
LRC Steps Into Vita Cortex Dispute
The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) has said it has been in touch with both workers and employers over the ongoing dispute over redundancy payments.
Workers are continuing their sit in protest at the plant, which has last over a month, as they protest against receiving no redundancy payments after being let go. An LRC spokesperson said it was "on standby" to lend any help if requested by either side, although no arrangement is in place to bring both sides together.
Last week, workers' union Siptu claimed the owner of the Vita Cortex plant, had more assets that he previously made out in order to avoid paying worker's redundancy.
Siptu, who are representing the workers currently engaged in a sit-in protest at the plant in Cork, said information emerged indicating the owner of Vita Cortex has considerably more assets than has been previously acknowledged.
The union said reports on Thursday indicated Vita Cortex owner Jack Ronan has interests in over 20 other companies as well as a "substantial property portfolio", which includes a penthouse apartment in Cork, a stud farm in Tipperary and two retail parks.
“Jack Ronan has openly stated that he accepts his legal and moral obligation to pay his former employees at Vita Cortex their just redundancy payments but that he does not have the funds to meet this commitment. It is clear from today’s newspaper reports that this claim is very much open to question,” said SIPTU Organiser, Anne Egar.
The company has refused to pay workers at the plant any redundancy payments despite closing the plant some weeks ago.
The Union went on to say that among the companies that Ronan is listed as being currently, or recently, a director is Print Works Ltd, a business whose other major shareholders include state agency Enterprise Ireland, Renard Pig Farms and Web Circle Ltd.
Ronan’s other business interests include a Tipperary based bloodstock company, PIC Ireland Ltd (which assists in the genetic improvement of pigs) and a 50% share in two profitable crèches in Cork and Arklow.
(DW/GK)
Workers are continuing their sit in protest at the plant, which has last over a month, as they protest against receiving no redundancy payments after being let go. An LRC spokesperson said it was "on standby" to lend any help if requested by either side, although no arrangement is in place to bring both sides together.
Last week, workers' union Siptu claimed the owner of the Vita Cortex plant, had more assets that he previously made out in order to avoid paying worker's redundancy.
Siptu, who are representing the workers currently engaged in a sit-in protest at the plant in Cork, said information emerged indicating the owner of Vita Cortex has considerably more assets than has been previously acknowledged.
The union said reports on Thursday indicated Vita Cortex owner Jack Ronan has interests in over 20 other companies as well as a "substantial property portfolio", which includes a penthouse apartment in Cork, a stud farm in Tipperary and two retail parks.
“Jack Ronan has openly stated that he accepts his legal and moral obligation to pay his former employees at Vita Cortex their just redundancy payments but that he does not have the funds to meet this commitment. It is clear from today’s newspaper reports that this claim is very much open to question,” said SIPTU Organiser, Anne Egar.
The company has refused to pay workers at the plant any redundancy payments despite closing the plant some weeks ago.
The Union went on to say that among the companies that Ronan is listed as being currently, or recently, a director is Print Works Ltd, a business whose other major shareholders include state agency Enterprise Ireland, Renard Pig Farms and Web Circle Ltd.
Ronan’s other business interests include a Tipperary based bloodstock company, PIC Ireland Ltd (which assists in the genetic improvement of pigs) and a 50% share in two profitable crèches in Cork and Arklow.
(DW/GK)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 December 2011
SIPTU Calls For Redundancy Pay For Plant Workers
One of Ireland's largest unions has said a way must be found to provide Vita Cortex workers with their legal redundancy entitlements when the company’s Cork plant ceases operation on Friday.
SIPTU Calls For Redundancy Pay For Plant Workers
One of Ireland's largest unions has said a way must be found to provide Vita Cortex workers with their legal redundancy entitlements when the company’s Cork plant ceases operation on Friday.
23 March 2012
Conciliation Services Invite Accepted By Vita Cortex Workers
Vita Cortex workers in Cork have accepted an invitation from the Director of Conciliation Services at the Labour Relations Commission to meet in the dispute over redundancy payments. Kevin Foley issued the invitation to see if the long running dispute between the workers and their former employer Jack Ronan can be resolved.
Conciliation Services Invite Accepted By Vita Cortex Workers
Vita Cortex workers in Cork have accepted an invitation from the Director of Conciliation Services at the Labour Relations Commission to meet in the dispute over redundancy payments. Kevin Foley issued the invitation to see if the long running dispute between the workers and their former employer Jack Ronan can be resolved.
22 February 2012
Vita Cortex Workers Disgusted At Personal Attack
SIPTU members at Vita Cortex have reacted with disgust to the attack on their characters contained in a letter sent to the media by a director of the company.
Vita Cortex Workers Disgusted At Personal Attack
SIPTU members at Vita Cortex have reacted with disgust to the attack on their characters contained in a letter sent to the media by a director of the company.
14 February 2012
Alex Ferguson Cheers On Vita Cortex Workers
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has made a surprise phone call to the Vita Cortex workers on Monday afternoon, supporting their fight and telling them to “stick in there” until they secured victory.
Alex Ferguson Cheers On Vita Cortex Workers
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has made a surprise phone call to the Vita Cortex workers on Monday afternoon, supporting their fight and telling them to “stick in there” until they secured victory.
19 December 2011
Union Calls For Redundancy Fund Investigation
One of Ireland's largest unions has called for an "immediate investigation" into why funds held in the accounts of a Cork company have not been distributed to workers for redundancy payments.
Union Calls For Redundancy Fund Investigation
One of Ireland's largest unions has called for an "immediate investigation" into why funds held in the accounts of a Cork company have not been distributed to workers for redundancy payments.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
