Politicians Call On Branson To Reconsider

Virgin Media (VM) workers were joined by Merseyside MPs, Councilors and NW CWU branches outside the Virgin Media site on Albert Dock in Liverpool to express community-wide anger at plans to close the site on Albert Dock.

Louise Ellman MP, Steve Rotherham MP, Luciana Berger MP, Alison McGovern MP and Maria Eagle MP all called on Richard Branson and Virgin media to reconsider their decision and to work with them and the Council to keep these jobs in Merseyside.  The City Council has pledged to assist VM find suitable new low-cost accommodation in the City.

Virgin Media’s decision to remove 435 jobs out of Merseyside has angered the whole community. This is a real body blow to an area already struggling to cope with high unemployment levels, the message from protestors was unmistakable.

"Virgin Media don't be cruel - keep our jobs in Liverpool,"

“What surprises me, not only is this unjust and unnecessary it’s a PR disaster!“ said Carl Webb, CWU Regional Secretary.

He added:

“I am really surprised that the hierarchy at VM don’t realise that they are sullying the Virgin brand with the callous way they are treating workers who have remained loyal over many years. Branson who likes to give the appearance that he cares for his employees who help give him his lavish lifestyle, should repay the loyalty of these workers and instruct VM to work with the MPs and council to look for alternatives”.

As things stand, those facing redundancy at the Albert Docks call centre have only been offered job relocation to Swansea, an option which has been widely derided as a 'non-option' for virtually everyone affected.

"It's totally unpractical to expect nearly 450 people to relocate to Swansea," stressed MP for Liverpool Riverside Louise Ellman, whose constituency covers the Albert Dock site.

She went further:

"I want Virgin Media to look again at this decision, to reconsider their position and, if they have to close the Albert Dock site, to find alternative jobs for people in Liverpool.
"My message to Richard Branson is simple: 'Think again - there are over 400 people working hard for you here in Liverpool. I do think you owe them some loyalty."

The solidarity demonstrated by MPs and City councillors alike was warmly welcomed by CWU general secretary Billy Hayes.

Addressing the protesters, Billy - flanked by CWU senior deputy general secretary Tony Kearns - told the gathering:

"This is the kind of Labour party that we want - a party which stands shoulder to shoulder with workers whose jobs are at risk.

We want Virgin Media to commit to keeping jobs in Liverpool. Closing the Albert Dock site doesn't have to mean the loss of jobs from the area - there are alternatives to keep these jobs in Merseyside and that's what we want the company to look at. Ahead of Christmas any good news on jobs is what these workers are wishing for."

More than 1,000 people have already signed a CWU petition protesting against the closure plan.

Sign the online petition now to show your support.

Click here to read further comments from local MPs, councellors in support of the workers at Virgin Media Liverpool.

Click here to view video of the event.

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