364 proposed redundancies at VMware ‘a shock’ says Coveney

THE Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment has said the 364 proposed redundancies at VMware, following the company’s acquisition by Broadcom, are “a shock, particularly at this time of year”.

Speaking in the Dáil, Simon Coveney said his department would do everything possible to support the company’s Irish workforce, most of whom are based in Ballincollig.

He was responding to a question from Cork North-West TD Aindrias Moynihan.

“The company announced in recent weeks that it is restructuring and that there would be job losses, and that negotiations would be going on during December and January, and earlier this week, the company announced that 360 people will lose their jobs in the new year,” Mr Moynihan said.

“That is a massive blow to the people themselves and the wider area, but especially to the 360 staff. That is more than a number. Those are real people with families, commitments, mortgages, hopes, and aspirations, all of which are now hanging in the balance.”

Mr Moynihan asked: “Will the minister outline the efforts being made to minimise those job losses and to provide support to any people who lose their jobs?”

Mr Coveney responded that the issue was “obviously a big concern” to him, saying that VMware is “a fantastic company with a skilled workforce who have done an amazing job for quite a long time in Cork”.

He explained: “VMware has been acquired by a company called Broadcom. We knew that when the acquisition or merger took place, there would be an impact. The workforce also knew that.

“Unfortunately, it means 360 job losses. The IDA has been working closely with the company, and will continue to do so, as will my department. We will do everything we can to support the workforce.

!It is really bad news. However, this is a highly skilled workforce and there will be other employment opportunities available quickly for people,” Mr Coveney continued.

“Nevertheless, it is still a shock, particularly at this time of year. I assure the deputy that the agencies of the State will be working closely with the staff to support them in any way we can.”