Meat Workers Postpone Strike at Carroll’s Cuisine Plant

Workers at the Carroll’s Cuisine meat processing plant in Tullamore, Co Offaly, have postponed a planned industrial action following a new commitment from management to engage in negotiations. The strike was set to begin on the morning of November 18, 2023, as part of a broader effort by the union, Siptu, to secure better pay and working conditions for approximately 100 employees represented by the organization.

The decision to suspend the strike came after management agreed to discussions with union representatives. Carroll’s Cuisine is a subsidiary of Sofina Foods, a major player in the food manufacturing sector with operations at 44 sites worldwide and a workforce exceeding 13,000 employees.

Negotiations Scheduled to Begin

Siptu’s aim is to negotiate a collective agreement that addresses various concerns, including pay increases, annual leave entitlements, sick pay, and other working conditions. The strike action initially began with two separate 12-hour stoppages on November 16 and November 17, where Siptu members placed pickets at the facility.

Neil McGowan, the manufacturing divisional organizer for Siptu, viewed management’s willingness to enter negotiations as a significant advancement. “Today’s movement by management to agree to talks with a focus on reaching an agreement and indicating a willingness to recognize the union as representing their workforce is a major step forward,” McGowan stated.

While the suspension of the strike reflects management’s newfound readiness to engage with the union, McGowan emphasized that the dispute remains unresolved. “We will enter the negotiations in a positive manner with a clear focus on improving pay and terms and conditions for our members. We have come too far not to see a fair agreement,” he added.

Negotiations are expected to commence in early next week, with both parties aiming to reach a resolution that meets the needs of the workers. The outcome will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for labor relations within the food manufacturing industry in the region.