Workers at a Shannon building materials plant will vote on a restructuring plan today, which could see around 170 workers lose their jobs.

Element Six's plans have already been welcomed by the Trade Minister Mary Coughlan, who claimed the move provides a better alternative than original plans to cut 370 jobs.

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Workers sought a vote on industrial action earlier this week, following a dispute over redundancy packages.

Union employees say they cannot accept the plans until improved pay-off settlements are agreed.

According to the Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union, Element Six has shown no willingness to negotiate.

Welcoming the restructuring plan, Ms Coughlan said its implementation "would not be without challenges" for management and workers at the facility, but that maintenance of the greatest possible number of jobs that are secure and sustainable in the long-term must be the priority.

(PR/BMcC)