Oreilly receives assurances from burton over liberty dialogue

 

Local TD Joe O’Reilly says he has received assurances from Social Protection Minister and Tánaiste Joan Burton that the Department of Social Protection are engaging with Liberty Mutual employee representatives in Cavan.

On Thursday last the company announced that 270 jobs would go from three bases, including 115 of the 340 from the Dublin Road premises.

'I made it a top priority to personally meet Joan Burton TD this week. I was anxious to voice my concerns regarding communication and dialogue between employees and their representatives in Liberty Mutual, and her Department officials,' he said.

'I urged the need for swift and comprehensive action, from the Department and requested clarification from her on the proposed steps that the Department are going to take.

'She informed me that last Thursday, 25th June, the Department of Social Protection Area Managers for Cavan and Blanchardstown contacted Liberty Insurance Cavan, with a view to arrange possible briefing sessions for employees of the company.

'I understand that the Human Resource Manager from Liberty Mutual advised the Department to deal directly with a company called Harmonics, who are working with Liberty on the current process.

'I understand that Harmonics are a management organisation, specialising in assisting businesses when they go through restructuring changes.

'The Minister confirmed that, as the deadline for Liberty employees to submit Voluntary Redundancy applications is July 10, the Department is planning to provide briefing sessions for employees in Cavan next week.

'It is my understanding that these briefings will involve officials from the Department advising employees, who decide to opt for redundancy, on the Intreo process, jobseeker’s payments and redundancy entitlements. There will also be information available on options and assistance available relating to returning to work and in relation to the Short Term Enterprise Allowance, as well as training and education options.

'Even though the situation with Liberty Mutual is incredibly distressing for the employees and their families, I was pleased with the clarification I received from the Minister and to note that her Department are engaging with employee representatives.

'My biggest aim as a local representative is to not only ensure that the employees who opt for redundancy have the right State supports around them, which I am assured by An Tánaiste that this is the case with her Department, but to work hard on trying to replace the jobs that were lost in the region,' he said.