Public representatives in north Cork should stand together to oppose the loss of 500 jobs at Dairygold, local Labour TD Mr Joe Sherlock said today.
He called particularly on former minister of state and former director of the Mitchelstown-based company Mr Ned O'Keeffe to speak out against the redundancies.
"Deputy O'Keeffe has derived significant financial benefit from his connections with Dairygold over the years, largely through the efforts of the workers, 500 of whom are now to be sacked. Deputy O'Keeffe should now stand by the workers who stood by him over the years," Mr Sherlock said.
It has been known for some time that jobs would be shed at the plant, but yesterday's announcement of 500 lay-offs came as shock to workers who were given just five days to decide on whether to take the redundancy package on offer.
SIPTU and management will attend the Labour Relations Commission on Monday to discuss issues surrounding the redundancy package.
The company says they already have had a "significant volume of applications" - but the union is angry at the speed with which workers must make up their mind or face compulsory redundancy.
The severance terms have been recommended by SIPTU and management and voted upon by staff over the past few days.
The company is providing a financial consultation service for workers to help them consider their options.