Workers at Smurfit Westrock fear the proposal to slash one third of the workforce in Lurgan is the first step in closing the plant, a union has claimed.

News of 55 potential redundancies at the Annesborough based firm on Monday has sent shockwaves through the town with Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, expressing her ‘deep concern’.

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placeholder image — Smurfit Westrock, Lurgan, Co Armagh.

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“My thoughts are with the workers and their families at Smurfit Westrock in Lurgan following the announcement of proposed job losses at the packaging plant.”

“The potential loss of 55 jobs is deeply concerning and will understandably cause considerable uncertainty and anxiety for those workers affected and their families.

“Smurfit Westrock has been an important employer in Lurgan for many years, providing skilled manufacturing jobs and making a valuable contribution to the local economy and wider community.

“As Lord Mayor, I want to express my support for the workers and their families during this very difficult and uncertain time.”

“I intend to seek a meeting with the company and Trade Union representatives to better understand the circumstances surrounding this proposal and to explore every possible option to protect jobs and secure the long-term future of the Lurgan plant.”

The Council also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local people affected by this announcement. Through its leadership, coordination and signposting role, the Council in collaboration with a wide range of statutory partners will work to ensure those impacted can access the advice, guidance and support they need to help them move forward positively to their next employment opportunity.

Unite, the union representing many of the 165 strong workforce says its members fear that this may be the start of transferring production to its Dublin site.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, "There is absolutely no justification for these jobs cuts. Smurfit-Westrock is a hugely profitable company paying out hundreds of millions to shareholders every quarter.

The redundancy announcement is the latest blow to the manufacturing base in the Lurgan area. It follows large scale redundancies at Glen Dimplex and at Associated Press in Portadown in recent years.

Unite regional officer Sean McKeever said: “Workers at Lurgan face losing their livelihoods because of the company's long-term failure to invest and modernise. Unite is actively engaging with our membership on their options to respond to this attack and the longer-term threat it poses to the future of the site.

"Our members are hugely concerned that this is the first step to shutting the site. This area has already been struck with a series of job loss announcements. It is way past time Stormont intervened."

Sinn Féin ABC Council Group Leader Cllr Keith Haughian has expressed solidarity with workers. He said: "The potential loss of 55 jobs is a devastating blow for the workers affected, their families and the wider community. “These are skilled workers who have given years of service to the company. They deserve better than facing uncertainty over their livelihoods and the future of the Lurgan site. “I share the very serious concerns raised by Unions regarding the future of the plant and the need for investment to secure jobs for the long term. “We will be engaging with Unite and others in the days ahead to see what can be done to support the workforce