Talks aim to end dispute threatening Carlow plant

TALKS will take place today between union officials and management at a Carlow-based manufacturing plant that has put more than 550 permanent staff on protective notice because of an overtime ban by workers.

SIPTU will join in talks with Braun Ireland Ltd management this morning in a bid to resolve a dispute which threatens the future of the plant. Any proposals worked out at the morning session will be put to an afternoon meeting of staff.

It is believed that the overtime ban introduced on Monday by disgruntled staff could be scrapped after today’s talks.

Such a move could also spur management to revoke its decision to put the workforce on protective notice.

The overtime ban started after seven of the company’s 50 technicians were let go and difficulties arose about redundancy payments for them and a number of other staff.

As well as 550 permanent staff, Braun Ireland also employs over 200 temporary workers.