http://www.boston.com/dailynews/152/world/Laid_off_Guinness_workers_get_:.shtml

Laid-off Guinness workers get liquid compensation

By Associated Press, 6/1/2001 15:46

DUBLIN, Ireland (AP) Workers laid off when a Guinness packaging plant closes next month will be able to drown their sorrows in beer, thanks to a severance package that includes up to 10 years' free supply of the famous stout.

The brewing giant's decision to close the plant in Dundalk, near the Irish Republic's border with Northern Ireland, sparked strikes at Guinness facilities across Ireland in April.

Under the severance agreement, the plant's 140 workers will receive one-time payments of up to $147,000 along with health insurance, scholarships for their children and the beer.

''It is a tradition within the industry that employees get a beer allowance, amounting to around two bottles a day,'' said Pat Barry, director of corporate affairs for Guinness Ireland.

''The redundant staff will get two grants of beer allowance a year of a couple of dozen bottles each time.''

The number of years workers receive the beer allowance will depend on years of service, he said, adding that the size of the payment also will depend on length of employment, with workers receiving an average payout of about $70,000.

Two of the three unions at the plant have accepted the offer. A vote by the third is to be held soon. The plant is scheduled to close at the end of July.

-- Anonymous, June 02, 2001