SIPTU representatives have said that the unilateral withdrawal of Becton Dickinson management from conciliation talks at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), on 14th November, has undermined the good faith upon which the redundancy negotiations, concerning the closure of its plant in Drogheda County Louth, are based.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, Andrea Cleere, said: “We are absolutely surprised by this move by the company. Our members can categorically state that they are not currently engaged in any aspect of industrial action. The claims made by the company that the membership is engaged in industrial action are false and extremely damaging to the relationship between the workforce and local management.”
She added: “We consider that the withdrawal from WRC conciliation talks and the suggested unilateral referral to the Labour Court is a bizarre move which has undermined the good faith under which we entered into this process. Our members are completely shocked and disheartened by this approach by the company.”
More than 200 workers will lose their jobs at the Becton Dickinson facility when it ceases production by September 2026.