Abbvie workers in Cork consider escalating industrial action

Workers at the Carrigtwohill plant of biopharmaceutical company Abbvie in Co Cork are considering an escalation in industrial action over a dispute relating to collective bargaining.

Siptu members at the plant have claimed that management there has refused to engage with representatives of the workers’ union. Union organiser Allen Dillon said members at the plant were currently in the second week of an overtime ban at the plant.

“They are considering escalating their industrial action if management continue to fail to fully implement two Labour Court recommendations from 2017 and 2020.

“These recommendations call on the company to engage with Siptu representatives on behalf of their members ‘in relation to all matters associated with terms and conditions of employment including pay’.”

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Member concerns

He said Siptu representatives had written to management several times, stressing member concerns over the failure to fully implement the two Labour Court recommendations and engage in collective bargaining with the union.

“However, to the huge disappointment and frustration of our members, management has refused to respond to or engage with their union either directly or indirectly.”

Mr Dillon also claimed that management at another Abbvie plant in Westport, Co Mayo, do engage with union representatives. He said this was a source of further frustration for workers in Cork.

“In that plant management have a good working relationship with Siptu members and representatives,” he said.

Abbvie said it had no comment to make.