Remploy Bonuses an insult to the workforce
Local politicians have criticised news that the directors of Remploy were paid more that £1.7 million in bonuses in 2007-08, an increase of 40 per cent, in the same year that 2,500 workers lost their jobs including many at the factory in Brynaman. Adam Price MP and Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM who campaigned against the closure said the figure will be viewed with disgust by the many skilled workers in their constituency who lost their employment as a result of the Labour Westminster governments cost cutting exercise.
Adam Price MP said:
“I campaigned alongside workers at the Remploy factory in Brynaman against this closure. What we were told was that it was unavoidable because of the losses that the factory was making. Yet in the same year Remploy directors received £1.7 million in bonuses. I am sure I will not be the only person who fought against the closure who is deeply upset by this.”
Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM added:
“The people who lost their jobs when the factory closed in Brynaman were highly skilled and dedicated. They have a track record of producing quality goods and it was very difficult, especially after playing a role in resisting other closure proposals in the past, to see the factory shut its doors. That such huge bonuses were given out to the company directors during this time is unacceptable.”