Employee protest at Kells' Abec plant

Workers at Kells-based Abec Technologies Europe Ltd staged a sit-down protest earlier this week over what they consider to be “unacceptable demands” concerning employment terms and conditions. The action was taken amid growing anger over a perceived failure by management to engage with union representatives, particularly with regard disciplinary action taken against three long-serving staff at the local plant.

It's understood staff decided to protest following plans by the company that they make themselves available for substantial periods of time to work at other sites both in Ireland and as far afield as Switzerland and the US.

There are currently 70 staff at Abec, between floor workers and those in administration.

Formerly Kells Stainless prior to a takeover by American-owned Abec Technologies Europe Ltd in 2015, the IDA-sponsored company is a leader in delivering integrated process solutions and services for manufacturing in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Kells Stainless has had a presence in the Co Meath town since its foundation in 1988, when it emerged from the former Bailieborough-based Bailie Engineering. Then owned by local businessmen John McKeon and Thomas Lambe, Kells Stainless started out servicing the food and dairy industries here in Ireland, which accounted for 90% of initial business. However, the company later developed as a leading fabricator of high quality stainless steel pressure vessels and associated equipment for the pharmaceutical, biotech, food and beverage industries.

One employee described the current situation within the Oldcastle Road plant as veering towards 'critical' following the suspension on Thursday last week of three members of the workforce, with combined experience of over 70-years.

Others now say they too fear for the future of their jobs at the company arising out of the position taken by management.

Unionised staff at Abec gathered at the Headfort Arms in Kells on Sunday last, June 25 to discuss ongoing concerns, with regional officer for Unite Willie Quigley attending the early segment of the meeting.

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Quigley said Unite had been recognised since the existence of the old Bailie Engineering company, and should be recognised now. 

'Given the way this company has behaved then I believe whatever action [the workers] have chosen is justified in their minds,' said Mr Quigley.

He added that the plans for staff to work elsewhere should take more account of the employees' current or personal circumstances.

'From time to time staff do travel for the benefit of the company to oversee the installation of equipment,” but he felt the latest plans were “very unfair”. 

“These are staff, some of whom because of family situations and all the rest, are just unable to go,” said Mr Quigley.

Abec Technologies Europe Ltd were contacted by this newspaper for comment this week, but none was forthcoming at time of going to print.