Work stoppages at Carroll Cuisine

SIPTU members in Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, will commence a campaign of industrial action with two 12-hour work stoppages, on Sunday, November 16, and Monday, November 17, both commencing at 7am, following what they said was management’s withdrawal from talks concerning pay and conditions at the meat processing plant.

SIPTU Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, said: “Workers in Carroll’s Cuisine voted last month in favour of industrial and strike action but suspended planned action to allow for talks.

“Union representatives met with management on Friday, 31st October. At this meeting SIPTU representatives outlined a proposal based on ensuring financial stability at the company but also including pay improvements for workers and union recognition for the purposes of collective bargaining.

“Management asked for time to consider this proposal. Earlier this week, management informed the Union that it would not be prepared to engage any further on the outstanding matters..”

He added: “Ireland remains an outlier in Western Europe in terms of collective bargaining rights. Working people, like those in Carroll’s, should not be left with no other option than taking industrial action to secure fair pay and union recognition.”

SIPTU members will place pickets on all entrances to the Tullamore plant for the duration of the work stoppages.