Cork pharma firm secures picket injunction

A pharmaceutical firm that makes life saving medicines used to treat cancer and hepatitis has secured an injunction prohibiting picketing of its Co Cork-based manufacturing site.

Pharma firm Schering-Plough today secured an injunction at the High Court prohibiting picketing of its manufacturing site in Innishannon, Co Cork.

The company said the injunction was sought after a picket by electricians identifying themselves as members of theTechnical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) was placed at the site last Wednesday morning.

Schering Plough, which employs 570 people at the site, said the picketers were unknown to anybody at the site and that no notice of industrial action was served.

The firm has a number of TEEU members in its employment however it insists they are not in dispute with the company.

While the company has used external electrical contractors it is not an electrical contractor and does not have any employees subject to the registered employment agreement for the electrical contracting industry.

The company sought the order because it has serious concerns that the picket will adversely effect production at the plant.

The injunction was granted by Ms Justice Mary Laffoy, who made the matter returnable to early next week.