SIPTU warns Dairygold
The union, which represents most workers in the food processing giant, made this clear in a weekend statement following reports that more than 450 staff had opted for a voluntary redundancy package.
Dairygold recently announced 500 staff would have to be made redundant before the end of the year as a necessary first step in 'rightsizing' its business and reducing its cost base.
It stated in a newsletter issued to employees last week that its voluntary redundancy scheme had been a success.
"Our forecast, at this stage, suggests that we will now require circa 50 involuntary redundancies to complete our current redundancy programme," it read.
SIPTU, however, said the number of people to be made redundant in Dairygold has not been agreed with the union, despite media reports which imply agreement has been reached.
Branch Secretary Ann Egar said management at Dairygold are giving the impression their redundancy scheme is a success, but SIPTU has not agreed to any redundancy proposals.
"We are adamant that under no circumstances will any proposal which includes compulsory redundancies be accepted by this union.
"As far as we are concerned talks are still ongoing under a joint negotiating forum chaired by John Horgan to deal with the issues."
Ms Egar said further talks have been arranged for this week at which SIPTU intends, once again, to make its position clear to management there will be no agreement on compulsory redundancies.
