LEIGH MP Andy Burnham is taking the Volex workers' fight for fair redundancy to Parliament.

He is tabling a motion calling on Volex, once one of Leigh's biggest employees, to offer 220 local workers the same package as those losing their jobs in Ireland.

Now an urgent meeting is being sought with senior management of the Volex Group to discuss aspects of the second class package being offered to Leigh staff. It is expected to take place within the next two weeks.

At a packed meeting with employees at Eastleigh Labour Club unanimous concern was expressed at the injustice of a situation in which people who have given long and loyal service are being offered substantially inferior terms to counterparts in Ireland who have not worked at the company for as long.

It is believed the County Mayo staff are being offered a redundancy package three times better than the Leigh workforce.

Local councillors Brian Jarvis, John O'Brien and Kevin Anderson support the parity claim and seek an urgent meeting with management.

Mr Burnham said: "The unanimous feeling at the meeting was one of great injustice -- Leigh workers are being offered a second class package. The company owes a great deal to its loyal Leigh staff. It should do the decent thing and recognise the hard work that people have put in over the years.

"Parity with Ireland is not a lot to ask. The handling of the situation raises such important issues for UK workers that I now intend to take this campaign to Parliament."

Cllr Anderson said: "The company's attitude to the workers is a complete disgrace. It is totally unjust that people who have worked there all their lives should be treated like this. We shall keep them informed of what is going on behind the scenes."