Politicians in Derry are demanding an urgent meeting with the management of Seagate, one of the city's largest employers, amid speculation about job losses.
Sinn Fein MLAs Ciara Ferguson and Padraig Delargy have written to Seagate demanding a meeting, while the Mayor has also requested an urgent cross-party meeting.
The hard-drive manufacturer has said it will not "speculate" on "any numbers of positions" but confirmed a "global restructuring plan" is in progress.
Read more: Seagate Derry job loss fears as company urged to be 'upfront' with workers
A spokesperson for Derry and Strabane council said the Mayor, councillor Sandra Duffy, has "requested an urgent cross-party meeting with senior management at Seagate to seek clarity on the global pressures facing the company and its impact on the future."
The Mayor, in a statement, said: "There is a need for us all to work together to send a strong message that Derry is open for business and we need to hear clearly from Seagate about its plans.
“Seagate is a major employer in our city and it’s important that we support them in every way possible to protect the vital jobs they provide in the north west and, indeed, to create more good jobs."
She added: “As a Council we are determined to showcase all that the north west has to offer and demonstrate that this region is a great place to do business in. The success of companies like Seagate over many years has demonstrated that and we want to build on that in the future by attracting more investment and creating more employment opportunities.”
Sinn Fein MLA Ciara Ferguson, meanwhile, said: "Sinn Féin has written to management at Seagate requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the global challenges facing the company and the technology industry.
“I have spoken with workers over recent days, and they need certainty and reassurance on Seagate’s restructuring plans and the future."
She continued: “We will also be asking Seagate to clarify that and to outline any plans they have for future investment in Derry.
“Working together is key to creating more jobs and delivering investment in the city.”
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan, writing on social media, said: "It is a worrying time for Seagate workers,their families and the city as a whole.
"There is no clarity as to what the company's global challenges will mean for staff at Springtown but rumours and worry are rife."
He added: "We are seeking a meeting with senior Seagate representatives - just last week,we heard from the US Administration about investment opportunities here... now let's see the colour of their money."
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