Seagate workers 'fear for future'

Management and staff are to meet on Wednesday

Workers at Seagate Technologies in Londonderry are fearful for their jobs ahead of a company meeting on Wednesday, a trade unionist has said.

The meeting will brief 1,400 employees on production levels at the plant.

Seagate has said it will not announce any "significant lay-offs". Staff were asked to take unpaid leave at Christmas and 45 part-time contracts lapsed.

Liam Gallagher of Derry Trades Council said a drop in demand for computer products has left workers fearful.

"I have been speaking to members of staff and they are very very concerned about the medium to long-term future of the plant.

"What a lot of workers are afraid of, is that they will be given more bad news in terms of a readjustment in their working week.

"They would be seriously concerned that there would be a job loss announcement," he said.

In a statement, Seagate said they would continue to ensure their operation in Derry is "appropriately aligned with market demand and staffed accordingly".

They also said they would keep employees fully informed and would update them on Wednesday on current working arrangements and any adjustments that may be required.

"The company will continue to monitor the situation and will take any actions that are necessary to protect the business going forward," said the spokesperson.

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