SIPTU members employed at Carroll's Cuisine in Tullamore, Co Offaly say they are escalating their industrial action and will hold futher work stoppages this week, in a dispute over pay and union recognition.
SIPTU has around 100 members at the plant, which produces cooked meats and ready meals.
The workers held a 12-hour work stoppage yesterday and again today with pickets placed at the entrances to the plant.
Two further 12-hour work stoppages are planned for Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7am.
SIPTU said this afternoon the decision to escalate industrial action follows "weeks of management delays and an abrupt refusal to continue talks".
"Workers in Carroll’s Cuisine voted last month in favour of industrial and strike action but agreed to suspend planned stoppages to allow for negotiations," said SIPTU Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan.
"At our meeting on Friday, 31st October, SIPTU representatives presented a constructive proposal aimed at ensuring the company’s financial stability while also addressing pay improvements and securing union recognition for collective bargaining.
"Management requested time to consider this proposal before stating it was not prepared to engage further on the outstanding matters with the workers’ chosen SIPTU representatives.
"Our members will not be denied their basic right to fair pay and to be represented by their union. This left them with no option but to escalate the industrial action at the plant."
In a statement issued on Saturday, Sofina Foods, the parent company of Carroll’s Cuisine, acknowledged the tensions at its Tullamore site.
It also recognises that it has "fallen short of our own high standards in supporting our colleagues - particularly in listening to and acting on their concerns promptly".
"For this, we apologise," a spokesperson said.
"We would like to thank the SIPTU trade union for the open dialogue we have maintained throughout what has been a difficult period for our people," they said.
Sofina Foods said it remains fully committed to addressing the concerns raised, including those related to pay and working conditions.
