Technicians at the Merck Millipore plants in Co Cork have commenced industrial action after the company implemented changes to pay and conditions.
The Connect trade union said some of its members employed at the life sciences equipment supplier's Carrigtwohill and Blarney plants were subject to pay cuts of up to 20 per cent.
Merck Millipore has denied there has been any "unilateral changes" to terms and conditions including salary as claimed by Connect.
"Our members were left with no alternative other than commencing industrial action after the company unilaterally changed terms and conditions. This included the cutting of 20 per cent in pay from maintenance technicians at the Blarney site," said Mark Dobyn, regional secretary for Connect.
“We have reached out to local management a number of times to engage on the changes being sought. However, the company has completely refused to engage with our Union and unilaterally changed our members' employment conditions without any proper consultation. This is a completely unacceptable situation.”
Dobyn said that staff taking industrial action would not cooperate with the company on a number of fronts and would not attend meetings with management.
“Both our Union and SIPTU have sought to use the industrial relations machinery of the state to resolve these workers' difficulties with their employer. This included a successful Labour Court case which resulted in a recommendation that the company should engage with our Unions as our members have demanded," said Paddy Kavanagh, general secretary at Connect.
“This situation once again illustrates the issues with workers’ right to union organisation and representation in Ireland.
"Our members will now seek to achieve the respect they deserve from their employer through the intelligent use of industrial action.
"If this does not achieve the necessary results, we will back our members in whatever escalation they decide upon.”
In a statement, Merck confirmed that it was served with notice of industrial action by Connect on Friday, August 1, and that action had commenced on Monday Monday (August 18).
"Merck operates a long-standing policy of direct engagement with its employees and remains committed to continuing this dialogue.
"The company’s focus is on constructive internal engagements with colleagues to reach a fair resolution of any workplace concerns."
Merck announced in May 2022 that it would invest €440m to increase membrane manufacturing capacity in Carrigtwohill and build the Blarney facility, and add 370 jobs by 2027.
(Pic: Merck Millipore)
