Prysmian-Group-Sirocco-HD-Cable
Italy-based Prysmian, which specialises in the global manufacture and supply of fibre optic broadband cables (inc. related kit), is reportedly being threatened with strike action over plans to cut 40 jobs and shift their only UK HQ in Bishopstoke (Hampshire, England) to Romania.
The company, which primarily uses the site to produce cables for Openreach (BT) and a few other network operators, first opened its 46-acre manufacturing base in Bishopstoke during 1967, and it soon became their UK headquarters. The site is still said to be profitable, but Prysmian now appears to want to reduce labour costs and move production for cables to Romania.
Around 250 people are employed at the factory, with the telecoms department, which produces fibre optic cables, being the one that is under threat. The move to “scrap [the] only department of its kind in UK” has angered staff, with Unite (union) saying the workers are set to begin a consultative ballot for industrial action over the plans.
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Sharon Graham, Unite General Secretary, said:
“Hugley profitable Prysmian’s disgraceful plans are the ugly and irresponsible face of corporate greed. It admits its Bishopstoke operations are successful, yet it plans to throw loyal and hardworking staff under the bus to squeeze out as much extra cash as it can.
Prysmian’s Bishopstoke workforce have Unite’s total backing in fighting against these abhorrent plans.”
Unite are also understood to be lobbying BT to step in and demand that its cables are produced in the UK, although it’s unclear how much mileage they’ll get out of that approach. We have contacted Prysmian for a comment.