Simclar workers fight sackings

SIMCLAR, AN electronics company in Ayrshire, have sacked 420 workers. Plants at both Kilwinning and Irvine have been closed and the company put into liquidation. The staff found out about the redundancies when they turned up for work to find the gates locked.

Philip Stott

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 UK to carry through the sackings.

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."