Michelin Ballymena Staff Told: Extend Christmas Break

The Belfast Telegraph has reported that Michelin has told its staff at the French giant’s Northern Ireland facility to take an extended Christmas holiday due to the economic downturn. The factory usually remains running except on Christmas and Boxing Day, but this year will not produce anything for ten days between 23 December and 2 January. Michelin Ballymena employs 1,000 people, producing heavyweight truck tyres for North American and European markets.

The paper confirmed that workers will need either to use up holidays or take unpaid leave, though those who are most in need of the money will be able to clock on to clean the factory during the winter break. This follows the news today that the EU is reporting that the eurozone area is in recession.

The Telegraph quotes a Michelin spokesman: “It is really down to the state of the market for truck tyres which is pretty poor at present due to the economic situation. We are building up too much stock at present and this shutdown should allow stock levels to be brought down to normal.”

It also quotes John Allen, a senior shop steward, suggesting that the unions are concerned by the announcement: “We are being asked to use up holidays from the previous year or bank days from next year, or take unpaid leave, but if that does not suit, workers are being asked to come in to clean the factory. Morale is low in the plant and this makes us apprehensive about the future. At present we are producing tyres for the South American and Asian markets but they, too, are now being affected by the slowdown.”