SIPTU vote puts 600-job Braun plant at risk

WORKERS at one of the south-east’s largest employers, the Braun Oral-B plant in Carlow, have voted for industrial action in a move which could threaten up to 600 jobs at the company.

SIPTU members voted by 277 to 76 for the action.

Informed local sources fear that if action is taken, it could lead to the closure of Carlow's largest plant.

Such a move would have a devastating impact on the local economy.

As the largest employer in the region, Braun Oral-B generates in excess of €20 million annually, as well as an estimated €3m in other services.

In past days, the 360 industrial-grade workers at the plant have rejected an offer which their union has recommended.

Yesterday, it confirmed a ballot has been carried for action, up to and including strike action.

A SIPTU spokesperson would only confirm the result of the ballot and that the whole wrangle centred on a long-standing row over grading, pay and promotions.

"We have notice of this ballot from our members and will be processing it in accordance with SIPTU rules. We have not yet specified what type of action will be taken and have not yet put the company on notice. But, we are available up until strike notice is issued, if it is issued, for further discussions."

Should strike go ahead, it is understood that a €20m investment programme earmarked for Braun will be at "high risk" and the stream of new products and investment might dry up.

This would result in the virtual closure of the Carlow plant, the largest employer in the region since it opened in 1973, as there would be no replacement products for ones which are nearing the end of their time in Carlow and are to be transferred to other Braun production facilities elsewhere in the world.

Management and SIPTU have been in negotiations regarding pay for the industrial grades at the Carlow plant for some time.

In October of last year, the company is understood to have offered a wage increase of between 12% and 15% over the following 30 months, above what is laid down in the Sustaining Progress national pay deal.

It is believed that offer was recommended to workers by SIPTU officials but following a ballot in December it was rejected by a narrow majority of workers at the Carlow plant.

Since then, the matter was referred to the Labour Court and in February, following some alterations, the union again recommended acceptance.

However, following another ballot by the 360 workers concerned it is understood the matter was again rejected this time by eight votes.

There are currently 650 people employed at the Carlow plant, including almost 100 temporary workers. It is not unexpected that the staff will find itself back in a position similar to September of last year when all workers there were placed on protective notice.

The company has declined to comment, apart from expressing concern over the planned investment programme at the Carlow plant.