The Unite trade union has said it will be "discussing an industrial response" if Seagate attempts to impose compulsory redundancies on its workforce in Derry.
Workers at Seagate, one of Northern Ireland's largest employers in the manufacturing sector, were told in May over 100 jobs would be lost through redundancies as part of a "global restructuring".
The Unite trade union has now said redundancies have been proposed for "up to one third of production operatives" - a total in excess of 200 staff given the size of the more than 1,000 strong workforce.
Read more: Mick Lynch offers backing to Seagate workers seeking union recognition amid job loss fears
Unite has been seeking official recognition at Seagate in Derry for some time, with the campaign having now reached the Industrial Court.
In a statement, the union said it would consider an "industrial response" if redundancies at Seagate become compulsory.
Regional Secretary Susan Fitzgerald said: “Last year Seagate paid out a colossal $2.4 billion to enrich shareholders in dividends and share buy-backs – that’s more than the company made in profit the same year. They now want to use a temporary drop in demand to strip-back production at Springtown - there’s no justification for reductions."
She added: “Unite the union is closely reviewing the situation and we will be discussing an industrial response with our members and reps if this involves any attempt to impose compulsory redundancies.”
Regional Officer for Unite’s membership at Springtown, Brenda Stevenson highlighted the regional significance of Seagate for the northwest economy.
She referenced a visit to the hard disk manufacturing facility by the US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy earlier this year, when he showcased Seagate as exemplifying the commitment of the US to the Northern Ireland’s economy.
“More than £4 billion has been invested in Seagate’s world-class production facility," Ms Stevenson said.
"This site sustains thousands of jobs in the wider economy and makes a huge contribution to the economy of the northwest."
She added: “The company’s latest proposals stand in stark contrast with the words of US Envoy Joe Kennedy who highlighted Seagate as demonstrating the US’s commitment to transform our economy. Instead of retrenchment, the northwest needs investment for well-paid, skilled employment.”
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