Bausch + Lomb workers to vote on downsize plan

More than 1,100 workers at the southeast’s largest private sector employer are expected to vote early next week on a series of cuts which would see almost 200 of their number losing their jobs.

Staff from Bausch + Lomb in Waterford were briefed last night on a “modified” set of proposals by management who want to implement tough cost-cutting measures which the company says are necessary to save the plant.

Bosses still want to shed nearly 200 jobs but have agreed to reduce pay cuts from 20% to 7.5%, although staff members said the 7.5% cut was to core pay and when other cuts, such as the loss of bonus payments, are taken into account, almost 15% will be shaved from annual pay-packets.