The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) has announced that it will enter a talks process on Tuesday, May 8, with the management of Coca-Cola over the closure of its Athy plant.
Ireland’s largest trade union, is concerned for the loss of over 80 jobs if the closure is to go ahead.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Michael Browne, said that the move by Coca-Cola to close the Co. Kildare plant and move to Ballina, Co. Mayo, “came as a complete shock to our members”.
"Devastating Effect"
Browner said, “If implemented, this move will result in more than 80 jobs losses by December 2019 and have a devastating effect not only on those directly affected but the wider local economy in Athy.
“These workers are mainly long-term trade union members and as such have secured good terms and conditions of employment. In total, these workers bring approximately €16 million into the local economy on an annual basis. There are no similar high-quality employment opportunities in the local area and as such, the loss of this plant will have a massive impact on the area.”
He added, “SIPTU representatives will enter talks with management next Tuesday with the aim of doing everything possible to save these jobs and this plant which plays a vital role in the economy of this part of the Midlands.”
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O'Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
