Bausch & Lomb staff face job losses

More than 160 workers at a Waterford City-based pharmaceutical giant are in danger of losing their jobs before Christmas because of a new dispute over pay which, the firm says, poses “serious threats” to the future of the entire plant.

Management at Bausch & Lomb, which employs 1,250 people at its Waterford manufacturing facility, have warned staff if they go ahead with a proposed industrial action they will lay off 54 staff and issue protective notice to a further 110.

The moves will be made after December 16 and will also see the US-owned firm abandoning plans to open new manufacturing lines which would have seen a further 50 employees taken on and discontinuing moves to transfer 70 staff to new shift arrangements.