Stoppages due after box factory talks break down

LAST-MINUTE talks to avert a strike at a box-making factory in Cork have broken down, with SIPTU announcing a series of 24-hour stoppages to begin next Monday.

Talks between SIPTU and management at the Smurfit-owned factory in Togher were held on Thursday in a bid to resolve a dispute over sick pay rates for the 140 workers at the factory.

SIPTU wanted management to increase the sick pay rates, which average e127 per week for each worker.