Rallies planned in 'ferocious' campaign to save Wrightbus jobs
Two huge rallies will take place in Ballymena this week as former Wrightbus staff demand action to save their jobs.
The union Unite has asked the Wright family to hand over the land, on which the factory is built, to the people.
The bus manufacturer has been seeking a buyer as it faced financial difficulties, but crashed into administration last week as a deal could not be agreed.
Around 1,200 jobs were lost as a result.
Regional Secretary Jackie Pollock confirmed that Unite would be mobilising members in a bid to save jobs.
The first rally will be held for ex-Wrightbus workers and their families at the Ballymena showgrounds on Wednesday 2 October at 4pm.
The second will take place on Friday 4 October outside the Wrightbus gates. Campaigners will march from Unite Ballymena offices to the factory entrance at midday.
Mr Pollock said: “Unite is determined to secure a future for our members in Wrightbus and for Ballymena, we will be ferocious in our campaign to save these jobs."
Wrightbus founder Sir William Wright attended Green Pastures Church on Sunday morning and apologised to those affected by the firm’s collapse as they gathered outside.
He was applauded as he entered the building and, after the service, spoke to some of those outside, saying: “I am sorry, folks - hopefully everything will work out.”
Former Wrightbus workers crammed into a hotel in the town on Monday morning to seek legal advice and get help with their redundancy forms.
Vicki Hawthorne has the latest from the House of Commons: