Five milk tanker drivers who were made redundant by Kerry Agribusiness, a subsidiary of the Kerry Group, have begun picketing the Group's headquarters in Tralee.
SIPTU Industrial Organiser Sharon Ryan says the action will continue indefinitely and urged the company to reverse its decision and engage with the union to find a resolution.
"Our driver members have dedicated a lifetime of committed work to the company with service ranging from 29 to 45 years.
"The five drivers are bewildered to find themselves in this position. We cannot as a union stand for any person to be made compulsory redundant when the work is still there," Ms Ryan said.
In a statement yesterday, Kerry Agribusiness said following "a comprehensive review of its milk collection procedures in 2023, it made the decision to transition all remaining milk collection operations to its existing independent hauliers".
The company said it undertook discussions with the drivers and "the employment of these drivers terminated on 31 December 2023, without mutual agreement between the parties involved".
