Anger over loss of 256 Coca-Cola jobs

COCA-COLA has been accused of corporate greed following its decision to close its Drogheda plant next year with the loss of 256 jobs.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin described the announcement as a great blow to the Coca-Cola employees.

In a scathing criticism of the decision, TEEU Regional Secretary Arthur Hall said the decision was an illustration of “corporate greed at its worst”.

The Drogheda plant, he said, was a highly profitable operation “and it has not lost a day of production in disputes for well over a decade. The only reason why it is moving its main production to Ballina, that I can see, is that it has a non-unionised workforce there and can ensure less of its profits stay in the local economy”.

The announcement was a devastating blow to the workers and the community, according to SIPTU’s North East Branch organiser, John King. “Coca-Cola is one of the principal employers in Drogheda and the closure of the plant will have far-reaching consequences for the community, as there is very little alternative employment in the area.”

Management plan to transfer its facility to a non-union site in Ballina where workers will be on inferior pay and conditions of employment, he said. “We are calling on the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to bring forward a national strategy to strengthen Ireland’s indigenous manufacturing industry in the traditional sectors since these workers cannot simply move into jobs in the hi-tech sector. In the meantime, we will begin a process with senior management in Coca-Cola to see if we can offset the consequences of so many job losses in Drogheda.”

Mr Martin said all possible support and advice would be given to the affected workers and every effort would be made to provide retraining and alternative employment in the region.

Workers leaving the plant after the news broke said they had not been consulted by management before yesterday’s announcement.

Ollie Whealan, an electrician and shop steward said he was “gutted and workers had no warning of the closure. I got a call at 2.30pm to go and see the general manager and at 3pm that was it — no job. Lots of people have given their life to the company and this is what happens”.

John Maguire said the company had been “part and parcel of life for him and for the town of Drogheda. It will take a couple of weeks for it to sink in and before we can look ahead”. He said there will be a lot of pressure on younger families with children and mortgages.

Mayor of Drogheda Anthony Donohoe said the announcement came out of the blue. “This is a body blow to the commercial life of the town and further afield. They are well paid jobs, the payroll was spread throughout the community and, as such, it will have repercussions on the whole community.”

The company said the existing high-capacity plant in Ballina, along with the specialised plant in Athy, would be sufficient to meet the current and future demand for concentrate and beverage base supply from Ireland.