Resolution found in industrial dispute at Kerry Foods
The industrial dispute at Kerry Foods in Carrickmacross concerning an attempt to make 31 workers redundant has been resolved, it is being reported.
It was announced last night that SIPTU members at the plant had accepted an improved redundancy offer from the company.
Kerry Group Plc have pointed to the plummeting sterling exchange rates as the reason for the job losses.
Kerry Group announced the move back in January following a review of the Monaghan factory last year.
In a statement they said the review was to optimise efficiency and ensure sustainability and viability at the plant in the face of significant drops in sterling following the Brexit vote.
Staff were informed that the operational redundancies were being sought across a number of areas.
The Carrickmacross factory will still employ 385 workers. Kerry Group have said that no other plants are under threat, adding that Carrickmacross is “uniquely vulnerable” as it produces frozen prepared meals sold directly to the UK.
The latest agreement arising between the company and staff has been reached after the 300 plus SIPTU members employed in the plant threatened industrial action including a series of proposed 24-hour work stoppages.
The move towards resolution has been welcomed by Sinn Féin MEP Matt Carthy who said: “I am glad that the company came back to the table with an improved redundancy offer and that this has now been agreed to by workers and I commend them for that. I want also to commend the workers for their steadfast action in defence of each other and their employment conditions, and the work of the trade union representatives involved.”
He meanwhile called on the Government needs to put in place contingency plans to support businesses affected by impending Brexit, and the workers they employ.
“There is little evidence of any government plan in this regard and many people are rightly concerned that as Brexit approaches we could see further problems with businesses particularly along the border and those selling products into Britain."