NASH SLAMS 'OUTRAGEOUS' TREATMENT OF BD WORKERS
26 September 2024
Local TD Ged Nash has slammed what he described as the “outrageous treatment” of BD workers as the company plans to shutter the Donore Road plant.
The Labour Deputy said; “Since the shock announcement by the company, I have worked intensively with workers and unions and in terms of engagement with IDA and the government to, in the first instance, establish if Drogheda’s only large-scale IDA-backed manufacturing facility can be retained.
“Despite the best efforts of workers and their unions, BD has doubled-down and is determined to close the plant, which will ultimately lead to the loss of 176 good jobs.
“I fully back the decision by SIPTU and Connect trade unions to engage in a work to rule. In terms of the information I have received on the conduct of the consultation process in regard to potential redundancies by management and the dog-in-a-manger attitude they have adopted, I can see why 97% of SIPTU members voted in favour of industrial action.
“The process has been pock-marked by uncertainty and ambiguity on the management side which has contributed to an unfortunate atmosphere of distrust. The negotiations to date cannot be described as meaningful.
Deputy Nash added that “In truth, proposals put forward to date by the company have fallen well short of the established norms in relation to previous redundancy packages in BD.
“This is all the more alarming given that it is not the case that the firm is seeking some redundancies to help cut costs, but it is pressing the nuclear option of complete closure.”
“BD must step up to the mark and start showing some respect to the loyal staff who have made this company very profitable over the course of their 60 year presence in Drogheda.”
Ends.