THE gloom of an early Autumn morning matched the mood of former Wrightbus workers who gathered outside the Green Pastures Church near Ballymena yesterday.
Up to 500 people lined the perimeter fence of the Galgorm based church just days after around 1,200 people lost their jobs when the bus manufacturing firm went into administration.
There was a PSNI presence, both outside and inside the Co Antrim church, as worshipers arrived for their weekly Sunday service.
A hint of an autumnal chill perfectly captured the feeling of many towards their former employer.
Some protesters hung their old work shirts over the church fence while posters and banners were put up nearby.
Many of the messages had a biblical theme and included some strong sentiments directed towards Jeff Wright, a pastor at the church and former Wrightbus boss.
Mr Wright’s father William, the company’s founder, was applauded as he arrived and left the service where he spoke briefly to former employees.
Veteran campaigner Eamonn McCann was part of a delegation from Derry Trades Council who travelled to Ballymena "in solidarity" with local workers.
Those entering the church were met with smiling faces and the warm tones of T-shirt clad hosts.
In a nearby auditorium a nine-piece band raised the curtain as the strains of “Jesus Christ alone can save” were bellowed out by those packed into the small arena.
As journalists were led to their seats by staff the scene resembled a concert as worshipers swayed to the beat of the band.
On several occasions the congregation broke into applause as Mr Wright, who at times appeared to become emotional, spoke about last week’s events.
A picture of members of the Wright family standing in front of a bus dating back 60 years was displayed on a big screen as he spoke.
During his short address the businessman led the congregation in prayer.
Outside those gathered in protest voiced their feelings.
Among them was Elizabeth Robinson whose three sons and son-in-law have all lost their jobs.
She described the situation as “heart breaking”.
“They have nearly 80 years service between them," she said.
“They have been in there since they left school.
“They feel gutted.”
Her son Gareth Robinson attended the protest with his young daughter and pregnant wife.
“Seventeen years I have been there and I have never been unemployed and never not wanted to work,” he said.
Mr Robinson added: “Common sense should prevail, get the men back to work.”
Fiona Knowles is a niece of Jeff Wright and granddaughter of William.
She left the company last year and yesterday stood with protesters.
“Our family has been destroyed by this and it could all have been avoided,” she said.
“It’s hard to watch, when you watch your granda, who has built this place up since he was 16, to have it destroyed, it’s very hard to watch."
Andrew French (34) from Ballyclare, worked at the firm for 18 years while is father spent 43 years there.
His sister was also an employee.
He is married with a 10-month-old baby and a four-year-old.
He said: "Every single one of us feels let down."
He asked: "Is Christmas going to have to be cancelled?
"This is all I know, I have been in here since I left school.
"Eighteen years service for what, statutory redundancy which you cannot get for 10 weeks?
"It is an awful situation to be in."
