The Ulster Unionist Party’s North Antrim MLA Robin Swann has expressed his bitter disappointment at JTI Gallaher’s rejection of Trade Union proposals that would have saved 500 jobs at the firm’s Ballymena plant.
Mr Swann said:
“The rejection of the Union's positive and proactive approach is a kick in the teeth to the workers and a two fingered salute to the years of hard work and dedication that the people of Ballymena and the surrounding area have given to JTI.
“I have asked the Employment & Learning Minister to initiate the process immediately with Westminster to seek assistance from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.
Jim Nicholson and I have also asked to meet JTI Management to ensure that they are not found wanting in their Corporate Responsibility in regards to their legacy to the people and the area who served them so well.
“Politics has failed the workers of JTI, from the introduction of minimum pack size in Europe to the inability to stem the illegal trade, and corporate greed signed the final death knell for a once great factory"