‘Needless’ job losses

Proposals by Honeywell to close an award winning site in Chesterfield with the loss of 66 jobs were branded as ‘needless’ and ‘short sighted’ by Unite today (January 23).

 
A 30 day consultation began today over the plans, which could see Honeywell end over 50 years of manufacturing at the site and move the manufacture of controls for gas pipelines to Germany.

 
Calling on the company to change its plans and invest in its award winning workforce, Unite said it would be pressing the company to look at alternatives, including finding alternative sites in the area.

 
“These needless and short sighted proposals from Honeywell will be viewed with a sense of betrayal by an award winning workforce,” said Unite regional officer Katie Whittam.

 
“As well as bringing the shutters down on over 50 years of manufacturing heritage at the site, it will see decent much needed jobs being stripped from the local economy.

 
“Over the coming days we will be pressing Honeywell to think again and repay the loyalty of its hard working staff, by investing rather than axing its Chesterfield workforce.”