Vita Cortex dispute ends as 'fair and equitable' redundancy deal agreed

Workers at Vita Cortex yesterday evening (2 May) voted unanimously to accept a severance deal with their former employer, bringing to an end the sit-in at the Vita Cortex plant in Cork that has been ongoing since 16 December last.

The workers will continue to occupy the plant for another fortnight, to ensure the money promised in the settlement is paid.

The deal was agreed yesterday, according to the Irish Examiner, at a meeting at the Rochestown Park hotel attended by company owner Jack Ronan, managing directory Ian Kirby, SIPTU general secretary Joe O’Flynn, division organiser Gerry McCormack, organiser Anne Egar and worker representatives Sean Kelleher and Cal O’Leary. 

SIPTU Manufacturing Division organiser, Gerry McCormack said: “The workers are satisfied that these proposals, which were agreed following direct talks between SIPTU representatives and the owners of Vita Cortex earlier today in Cork, provide the basis for the full and final settlement of this dispute.

“The workers are very pleased that after four months campaigning to secure equitable and fair redundancy payments, which takes account of their long years of service at Vita Cortex, they can now return to their normal lives satisfied they achieved their objective.”

Said SIPTU organiser, Anne Egar: “These workers have shown massive commitment and resolve during this dispute. Their perseverance has been an example to others in similar situations in Ireland and beyond. It has been an honour for me to represent them.”

The proposals have been agreed on a strictly confidential basis.

On the Support the Vita Cortex Workers Facebook page, which has provided constant updates on the campaign and sit-in since 23 December, the following was posted at around 9pm last night:

"The Vita Cortex workers involved in the sit-in at the company plant in Kinsale Road, Cork wish to advise their family, friends and supporters, that we have unanimously accepted proposals today agreed with the representatives of the company. The workers wish to state that the agreement reached represents a fair and equitable outcome. The workers wish to thank all of those who have supported them in their long struggle for fairness & justice. The terms of the agreement confidential to both parties. Thank you all for......... Keeping Her Lit!" {jathumbnailoff}

Image top (Rally in support of the Vita Cortex workers outside the Dáil in early January): Paul Walsh.