Medical device maker BD (Becton Dickinson) has withdrawn from talks aimed at resolving a dispute over severance packages for workers at its plant in Drogheda.
In July, it was announced that the operation is to be wound down over the next two and a half years with the loss of around 200 jobs.
SIPTU members employed at the facility have engaged in industrial action over the planned closure of the plant.
SIPTU has accused BD of failing to engage constructively with the union but this has been disputed by the company.
Management and unions had been attending conciliation talks at the Workforce Relations Commission (WRC) in a bid to resolve the dispute over severance packages.
BD had proposed an improved redundancy offer but today the company withdrew from the talks, accusing unions of refusing to suspend their industrial action.
"Since the commencement of this process, BD has made every effort to negotiate in good faith to arrive at the best possible settlement for all those affected," a company spokesperson said.
"We are extremely disappointed that these efforts have not been reciprocated by the trade unions who have been unwilling to cease industrial action at the site, which was a condition of entering the conciliation process with the Workforce Relations Commission.
"Because industrial actions continue to be actively in force by the unions, BD has no option but to withdraw from negotiations," the company said.
BD added that it has communicated this decision to its employees and that it now anticipates that the matter will be referred to the Labour Court.
SIPTU said it was surprised by the company's withdrawal and added that none of its members are currently engaged in any aspect of industrial action.
"We consider that the withdrawal from WRC conciliation talks and the suggested unilateral referral to the Labour Court is a bizarre move which has undermined the good faith under which we entered into this process," said SIPTU Sector Organiser, Andrea Cleere.
"Our members are completely shocked and disheartened by this approach by the company," Ms Cleere said.
