Workers at the Cadbury production plant in Coolock, Dublin, have commenced a strike of indefinite duration in a dispute over the outsourcing of jobs. Hundreds of workers are taking part in the strike.

As part of a Labour Court recommendation, Cadbury plans to outsource the jobs of 17 of its store workers. The recommendation was previously rejected by SIPTU and UNITE, and the unions said its members at the plant would strike until the company reverses its decision to outsource the jobs.

John Dunne, SIPTU Sector Organiser, said: "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."

He added that the workers have been left "with no option" but to take the industrial action.

Gerry McCormack, SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser, said: "The attempt to outsource these jobs is seen as a further erosion of the viability of the facility. It follows the movement of the production of the 'Time Out' bar from this plant to Poland.

"Workers at the plant have over recent years agreed to the major restructuring of operations and changes in work practices. However, the attempt by the management of Mondelez International to further downgrade the plant's operations has caused outrage and increased fears among the workforce about its long-term commitment to the facility."

In a statement, the owner of Cadbury, Mondelez International, said: "This action is being taken in protest at the planned future outsourcing of a small number of non-core roles at some point in the future. The company deeply regrets that SIPTU and UNITE have decided to take this step.

"Any form of industrial action only further undermines the future viability of both the Coolock and Rathmore manufacturing sites and this action ultimately endangers the jobs of the circa 700 people who are employed within the business.

"The management team remains available to meet again with the SIPTU and UNITE representatives to attempt to find ways to resolve this dispute and to work together on building a more sustainable future for the Coolock and Rathmore sites."

(JP)