SIPTU has welcomed the positive outcome to a meeting held this afternoon (Monday, 2nd June) with local Waterford politicians concerning the threat to pay and jobs faced by workers in the Bausch and Lomb manufacturing plant in Waterford. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Alan O'Leary, said: “SIPTU representatives had a very positive meeting today with local elected representatives. All those attending the meeting agreed on the gravity of the situation facing the workers and their families. The union confirmed to the group which included TDs and Senators that everything must be done to maintain as many jobs as possible through a balanced negotiated agreement with the company. It was agreed that the 20% pay cut proposed by the company is not acceptable given the impact on workers and their families. These issues will be confronted in talks between the management of Valeant and union representatives, scheduled to commence tomorrow (Tuesday, 3rd June).” Alan O’Leary added: “It was agreed that the Oireachtas members would also engage with senior management at Valeant to convey the difficulty there is with the proposed limited timeframe of the talks between the union and company. These talks are currently scheduled to conclude on 17th June. It was also agreed that the local politicians will outline to central Government the need to give financial support and assistance to the effected workers and their families. “The local politicians will maintain close contact with the union over the coming weeks and a further meeting will be scheduled next week.”
SIPTU holds positive meeting with local politicians on Bausch and Lomb restructuring plan
