85 workers at Kostal in Abbeyfeale take voluntary redundancy

85 workers at Kostal in Abbeyfeale have taken voluntary redundancy.

Management at the West Limerick factory sought 60 redundancies last October due to poorer-than-expected demand for the electric car parts made at the plant.

In August, there had already been 27 voluntary redundancies from staff who had worked with the company for a shorter time.

In total, this equates to around 20% of the workforce in Abbeyfeale.

Management are currently conducting a financial review and will speak to the union again once it is completed.

However, SIPTU organiser at Kostal in Abbeyfeale, Rory Hawkins, says that while they are relieved there have been no compulsory redundancies, he is concerned about the global economic situation.