A number of Cadbury employees have gone on strike this morning over a dispute concerning the outsourcing of jobs.
The industrial action undertaken by SIPTU and Unite members who work at the production plant in Coolock, Dublin, is of “indefinite duration.”
According to RTÉ News, it concerns the fact that Swiss group Mondelez (who now own Cadbury) proposed to outsource 17 jobs in its stores division as part of the restructure.
The two unions will apparently strike, halting chocolate production at the factory, until the company rescinds their decision.
SIPTU Sector Organiser John Dunne said last night: “Union members voted overwhelmingly to take this action following an announcement by management that it intends to unilaterally implement a Labour Court recommendation and outsource the jobs of 17 directly-employed store workers.
“The work stoppage at the plant will continue until management ends the attempt to outsource these jobs.
“The Labour Court recommendation had previously been rejected by a large majority of the 350 union members employed in the production plant. SIPTU and UNITE members proposed further talks on reducing costs and increasing flexibility in relation to the operation of the store facility at the plant.
“This proposal was rejected outright by management leaving the workers with no option but to take the industrial action that will begin tomorrow morning.”
Mondelez Ireland reportedly said that it needs to streamline in order “to become more sustainable and competitive for the future.” Their proposals also include a huge investment for new chocolate-making technology.
