SIPTU vows to fight to save HB jobs

SIPTU has vowed to do everything it can to save the jobs of the 180 employs at the HB factory in Rathfarnam, Dublin.

Yesterday, Unilever, which owns the plant, announced plans to shut down the facility because it is no longer viable.

The move came just a year after a rationalisation plan was agreed between management and workers.

SIPTU spokesman Brendan Carr said: "Unilever turned their backs on the workforce. If Unilever want to sit down and try and negotiate to make that plant what they would call 'more viable', we'll sit down and see if we can come to an agreement on that.

"If we cannot come to an agreement, we will sit down with any potential buyer to see if they want to take over the plant."