Industrial action looms at Braun

EFFORTS were continuing last night to avert industrial action which could threaten over 650 jobs at a manufacturing plant.

Workers at hair care manufacturer Braun in Carlow town are due to begin industrial action this morning, a move which managers claim puts the entire plant in jeopardy.

An impasse in week-long negotiations between management and trade union, SITPU led to a ban on overtime which comes into play today. The action will effect some 400 industrial grade workers at the plant until May 11.

The long-running row centres on pay, grading and promotions.

Just last month, workers balloted for industrial action after rejecting Labour Court pay recommendations backed by SIPTU. Management has already warned that the proposed action puts future investment at the plant, as well as the future of as its 650 staff, almost 100 of them temporary workers, in jeopardy.

Last year, workers were put on protective notice following a similar row. Two years ago, up to 250 workers were made redundant.

A spokesperson for the workers said they are available to begin further talks with management at any time. “This will be a wait and see situation once the industrial action goes ahead to see whether the situation will escalate,” he added.