SIPTU members in the Abbvie Plant in Carrigtwohill, county Cork, began a 36-hour work stoppage this morning (Tuesday, 14th November) at 7.00 a.m. The industrial action results from the refusal of management to implement a Labour Court recommendation concerning the workers’ right to be represented by their union in relation to negotiations relating to all their terms and conditions of employment. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Alan O'Leary, said: “Unfortunately, our members were left with no option but to commence this action this morning because of the entrenched resistance of management to affording them the right to professional union representation in line with the Labour Court recommendation. “AbbVie management has refused to engage in talks concerning our members’ issues at the Workplace Relations Commission or at the Labour Court. Our members have experienced considerable hardship over many years with shift changes being enforced unilaterally by management without consultation or adequate notice. The payment system operated at the company is also out of line with that of other pharmaceutical companies. “Our members feel very frustrated and that they have been forced to withdraw their labour as a last resort. All that is required to resolve this dispute is for management to agree to talks as the Labour Court has recommended.” SIPTU Organiser, Paul de Puis, said: “The workers feel that they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity in their workplace. We are urging the company to abandon their ‘head in the sand’ approach and to engage in talks with union representatives.” The industrial action today is the first of a series of planned work stoppages. Two more 36-hour work stoppages are scheduled to commence on Wednesday, 22nd November, at 7.00 p.m. and Wednesday, 29th November, at 7.00 p.m. Also scheduled is a 33-hour work stoppage commencing on Thursday, 7th December, at 7.00 p.m. and a 48-hour work stoppage on Monday, 11th December at 7.00 a.m. Pickets will be placed on the plant for the duration of each work stoppage.
SIPTU members begin industrial action in AbbVie Plant in county Cork
