Liebherr staff raise concerns over work during ‘lockdown’
LIEBHERR management have claimed that they are an essential service and have continued asking staff to work at the factory during the current lock-down.
This is in spite of concerns amongst workers about the dangers posed by COVID-19.
With over 900 staff, Liebherr, which supplies cranes worldwide, informed staff in a memo on Sunday that it was considered essential; or if it was found not be essential, it would need time to wind up the business, meaning staff would be required to work this week.
This is despite the fact that staff on Friday had been informed that the business would close. Barriers (pictured below) were erected at the west car-park but these had been removed this week.
The company informed staff that it would clarify its position with the Government but said that, as of Sunday, it would seem to be essential and would continue to work unless they were told not to do so. Anyone with concerns was told to take annual leave, the memos, signed by Directors, stated. Some staff who could work from home were told to do so.
Councillor Michael Cahill (Fianna Fáil) said many employees at Liebherr are anxious about the risks to their health and that of their families at a time when most of our citizens are isolating, adding that ‘clarification’ on whether or not the company is essential is needed.
“Clarification is urgently needed around the definition of essential for these purposes,” he said.
Cllr Cahill said Liebherr is one of our county’s best industries and produces cranes for the international market to ease the transport of goods. Liebherr was asked to clarify the situation this week but, at the time of going to print, had not done so. A statement was expected this week.
Sinn Fein TD, Pa Daly, said employees in factories, who believed they were not essential, have sought clarificiaton on their positions but it has not been forthcoming.