Last-ditch attempt to save Pierce’s

November 2002

Workers and bosses at the famous Pierce’s in Wexford have been urged to give talks one last chance, for the good of the town.

Minister John Browne and trade unions chief Billy Kyne have appealed directly to workers and management to save Pierce’s Engineering for the good of employment-starved Wexford.

The plea comes as fears abound that the crisis which resulted from last week’s rejection of Labour Court proposals could damage how Wexford is perceived as a possible location for industry.

They have asked bosses at Waterford Stanley for one last chance, despite a decision to wind down Pierce’s following the ballot against accepting a Labour Court recommendation on a move to a new site.

Minister Browne said he had asked company executives to put off the decision for a day or two.

‘I think the company should defer any decision to close completely, and allow one further round of talks,’ he said.

Billy Kyne, regional administrator of Amacus-AEEU, who had advised workers to accept the deal, said ‘I would still call on Waterford Stanley to build on the closeness of the 34-23 ballot’.

He said he hoped against hoped that there would still be some goodwill and accommodation on all sides. However, Pierce’s MD, Mike Baldwin, said ‘I cannot see any way back’.