Frustrated employees, their families and union officials protested at the ADM chemical plant in Ringaskiddy yesterday over the layoff of more than 160 staff and the temporary shutdown of the plant last month, writes Louise Geaney.
According to a SIPTU official,some of the Cork workers had been employed by the plant for more than 30 years.
Controversy has arisen over the fact that more than 80 of the workers are not entitled to and have not received social welfare payments, despite being without work for more than five weeks, because the company says they are not making themselves available for work.
"These people have been let down badly by ADM and the State, which has refused to intervene. Their families are directly affected by this situation and some of them may have to go to the Southern Health Board for assistance if it isn't resolved soon," SIPTU branch secretary Mr Eddie Mullins said.
"Some of them have given over 30 years' employment and it's a sad reflection on the employer and on the State that they have been let down so badly," the SIPTU official said, insisting that it is imperative that ADM management sit down with the union and discuss the matter.
He called on the Tánaiste to request that ADM accept the intervention of the Labour Court or Labour Relations Commission.