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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| 'Funeral' march on closing plant | 'Funeral' march on closing plant |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Workers and their families at a threatened stationery plant have staged a "funeral" march in south Wales. | Workers and their families at a threatened stationery plant have staged a "funeral" march in south Wales. |
| Protesters walked to the sound of a New Orleans band to Staedtler's factory in Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf where production will cease in 2008. | Protesters walked to the sound of a New Orleans band to Staedtler's factory in Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf where production will cease in 2008. |
| The GMB Union said the demonstration was also to signify the "death" of the manufacturing industry in the locality. | The GMB Union said the demonstration was also to signify the "death" of the manufacturing industry in the locality. |
| The Welsh Assembly Government said it was working to develop and retain Wales's manufacturing sector. | The Welsh Assembly Government said it was working to develop and retain Wales's manufacturing sector. |
| Pontypridd's AM Jane Davidson and MP Kim Howells joined union representatives to tell the rally of around 60 people about ongoing work to try and persuade the company to change its minds about the closure. | Pontypridd's AM Jane Davidson and MP Kim Howells joined union representatives to tell the rally of around 60 people about ongoing work to try and persuade the company to change its minds about the closure. |
| We are working closely with the sector to help companies modernise, innovate and create higher skilled jobs - which are less vulnerable to low wage competition Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson | We are working closely with the sector to help companies modernise, innovate and create higher skilled jobs - which are less vulnerable to low wage competition Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson |
| They said that so far the company was not prepared to enter into dialogue, but Staedtler has said its discussions with the unions are ongoing. | They said that so far the company was not prepared to enter into dialogue, but Staedtler has said its discussions with the unions are ongoing. |
| In June, the firm announced its intention to close the Pontyclun production and warehousing facilities. | In June, the firm announced its intention to close the Pontyclun production and warehousing facilities. |
| A sales, marketing and administration complex will remain, operating from new premises in the area. | A sales, marketing and administration complex will remain, operating from new premises in the area. |
| The German firm said the plans were part of a wider move to concentrate production at fewer locations. | The German firm said the plans were part of a wider move to concentrate production at fewer locations. |
| UK managing director John Evans said at the time that the closure was "in no way a reflection on the company's employees or on its past performance". | UK managing director John Evans said at the time that the closure was "in no way a reflection on the company's employees or on its past performance". |
| Protesters marched to the plant carrying banners | |
| Expressing regret for the decision which would result in job losses, he said change was "inevitable" if the company was to meet the demands of the global market. | Expressing regret for the decision which would result in job losses, he said change was "inevitable" if the company was to meet the demands of the global market. |
| But the GMB Union, which was behind Saturday's demonstration, is fighting the closure. | But the GMB Union, which was behind Saturday's demonstration, is fighting the closure. |
| Branch secretary Brian Farr said he understood that most of the production was being moved to Germany, where labour costs were actually higher. | Branch secretary Brian Farr said he understood that most of the production was being moved to Germany, where labour costs were actually higher. |
| Mr Farr said the move was "bad news" for south Wales, and called on the Welsh assembly and UK Governments to provide more protection for workers. | Mr Farr said the move was "bad news" for south Wales, and called on the Welsh assembly and UK Governments to provide more protection for workers. |
| He claimed it was much more difficult for manufacturers to close factories in other European countries. | He claimed it was much more difficult for manufacturers to close factories in other European countries. |
| He said: "When you consider the number of manufacturing industries in the south Wales area that have shut over the last couple of years, it's absolutely incredible that the Welsh government - and even indeed this Labour government - haven't stepped in and given us some sort of protection as they've got in Europe." | He said: "When you consider the number of manufacturing industries in the south Wales area that have shut over the last couple of years, it's absolutely incredible that the Welsh government - and even indeed this Labour government - haven't stepped in and given us some sort of protection as they've got in Europe." |
| 'Investments' | 'Investments' |
| A spokesperson for the Welsh Assembly Government said the manufacturing sector in Wales had fared better than the rest of the UK with regard to globalisation. | A spokesperson for the Welsh Assembly Government said the manufacturing sector in Wales had fared better than the rest of the UK with regard to globalisation. |
| "However, we are working closely with the sector to help companies modernise, innovate and create higher skilled jobs - which are less vulnerable to low wage competition." | "However, we are working closely with the sector to help companies modernise, innovate and create higher skilled jobs - which are less vulnerable to low wage competition." |
| That support, along with investments in transport and communications would ensure Wales develops and retains its manufacturing sector, the spokesperson added. | That support, along with investments in transport and communications would ensure Wales develops and retains its manufacturing sector, the spokesperson added. |