AbbVie's Cork plant hit with industrial action notice by trade union members 

SIPTU members at the pharmaceutical giant's Cork facility will be taking strike action as part of a dispute concerning pay and anti-union practices by the company

Workers employed by AbbVie Cork have two Labour Court recommendations which advise that the employer recognise SIPTU as the workers chosen union for collective bargaining purposes. 

SIPTU members at AbbVie's manufacturing facility in Carrigtwohill have served a notice of industrial action commencing next week in a dispute concerning pay and anti-union practices being implemented by the pharmaceutical manufacturer.

Members of the trade union will begin industrial action on Monday, May 19th, SIPTU said.

Its comes as members were left with "no option," other than industrial action after "numerous attempts" to resolve issues through negotiations were refused by management, SIPTU sector organiser Andrea Cleere said. 

“After meeting with members in early 2025, SIPTU representatives wrote to management regarding several matters, including pay rates and the lack of a transparent pay structure," Ms Cleere said. 

“In response, they balloted for industrial action, up to and including strike action, with a large majority in favour. The initial stage of their industrial action will take the form of a work to rule, including an overtime ban, strict adherence to standard operating procedures and requiring the requisite four weeks’ notice before changing shift patterns."

Workers employed by AbbVie Cork have two Labour Court recommendations which advise that the employer recognise SIPTU as the workers chosen union for collective bargaining purposes, Ms Cleere said. 

"This should mean that the company engages with SIPTU representatives on any changes to workers’ terms and conditions including those which effect pay. However, the company has decided to ignore the Labour Court’s recommendation,” Ms Cleere added.

“This is the problem with the voluntarist model of industrial relations we have in Ireland. It allows companies to flout the Labour Court when workers are merely seeking their basic human right to collectively engage with their employer.” 

SIPTU nanufacturing divisional organiser, Neil McGowan, said: "The workers in Abbvie in Cork have for many years attempted to vindicate their right to collectively bargain with their employer, this has been vetoed by management at every stage and they have had enough. The unanimous vote for industrial action demonstrates the strength of feeling and unity amongst the workers.

The Irish Examiner has contact Abbvie for comment.