50 cement plant workers to lose jobs as demand slumps
Management have opened talks with workers and unions on a restructuring programme for the plant, which has been in production for over 70 years.
A company spokesman said last night: “Management at Irish Cement have met with employees at the company’s manufacturing facility at Castlemungret in Co Limerick. The company advised workers and union representatives that the unprecedented deterioration in market conditions, combined with a sustained decline in the demand for cement products, have led to the need for a significant restructuring plan to be put in place at the Limerick facility.
“This follows almost five years of decline in the Irish construction industry, with activity now some 80% below the 2007 peak levels and with little visible indication of any market improvement in the foreseeable future.
“The precise detail of the plan will be the subject of further dialogue between management and both unions and employees.
“The relevant meetings in this regard will get under way this week with a view to having the restructuring programme completed as soon as possible.”
