Workers in Derry fear for their jobs after a major employer in the city announced that they would cut up to 3,000 jobs worldwide.
Hard drive maker Seagate Technology has revealed that it plans to cut 8% of its global workforce, leaving workers in the city fearing they could soon be affected.
At a recent meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council, People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin said that members of the workforce had 'deep concerns' about their future.
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In a proposal brought before the council, Cllr Harkin asked members to support a motion that would allow councillors and council staff to meet with Seagate Technology workers and trade union representation to discuss their concerns.
"I have been contacted by Seagate workers now for quite a while," Cllr Harkin said. "They have raised concerns about a very low pay increase they received recently in terms of dealing with the cost of living crisis.
"People might've read that 400 Seagate workers recently signed a letter expressing their disappointment to management and requesting trade union recognition for a trade union voice.
"I believe these are things that we can empathise with and should support. I want to thank the elected representatives that agreed to sign the letter.
"Workers at Seagate need our support now. People may have seen that Seagate is going to lay off 8% of their global workforce and that has created a lot of concern and worry among workers here in Derry."
Meanwhile, the latest concern comes after Seagate CEO Dave Mosley said on a call with analysts that the latest move would help the company save £95million.
He said: “In addition to adjusting our production output, to drive supply discipline and pricing stability, we are implementing a restructuring plan to sustainably lower costs, including a reduction in our global workforce."
The technology company has been operating in the city since 1997, with around 1,400 employees currently working there at present.
During the meeting, held on October 27, Ulster Unionist Derek Hussey proposed an amendment which was second by DUP's Alderman Maurice Devenney.
The amendment, which was carried, requested that management at Seagate also be met as well as workers and trade union representatives.
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