SIMCLAR, AN electronics company
in Ayrshire, have sacked 420 workers. Plants at both Kilwinning and
Workers have responded by
organising pickets outside both factories in an effort to stop the
asset-stripping of the plant. They also occupied the Kilwinning site for a
night. Workers are incensed by the sackings, which were carried out without
notice or agreeing proper redundancy payments.
Nan Wilson, a Simclar worker
told the supporters at the gates that this was just the start: "We are
going nowhere, the asset stripping at Irvine Riverside has begun and we will
man the picket lines for as long as it takes."
Sam Russell, the
multi-millionaire owner of Simclar, has exploited the pathetically weak
employment laws in the
Solidarity MSP, Rosemary Byrne,
who took part in the occupation commented: "Sam
Russell and Simclar may think that they can just do as they want but these
workers are ready to take him on, as they have done in the past. Back when we
negotiated the deal for trade union recognition for the workers when Simclar
took over the factory Sam Russell was determined that there would be no union
recognition, he didn't get his way then and he won't this time either."
Wullie Paterson from the
Community union said "These workers were viciously and summarily dismissed
by their employer Sam Russell. These are working-class people who for reasons
not yet properly established have been thrown on the scrap heap without
consultation, without a statutory notice period and with the public purse left
to pick up the redundancy tab.
"We have set up a justice
campaign fund and would appreciate any assistance that may be offered. We
welcome messages of solidarity and if any financial donations can be made
please make cheques payable to The North Ayrshire Community Branch Justice
Fund. Donations should be sent to Community branch secretary Robert Ferguson,
64 Shore Road, Stevenston, North Ayrshire, KA20 3LP."