Michael Lowry T.D. demands clarity from C&C on reports that it is to close down its plant in Borrisoleigh, Co. Tipperary with the loss of up to 140 jobs.

Lowry critical of C&C’s conduct

The Deputy, addressing the media, has described the present situation as utterly shocking and disrespectful to the Borrisoleigh work force. Since the takeover of Gleesons by C&C, I have been sceptical and suspicious of their motivations. From the onset there has been great difficulty with C&C to outline any business plan for the Borrisoleigh plant.

“Since the change of ownership, C&C have been reluctant to hold any meaningful engagement with employees and to communicate future plans for the Borrisoleigh site. After much aggravation they eventually agreed to recognise the Union SIPTU, but even then the company information was sparse”, said Lowry

The plant in Borrisoleigh was gradually diluted through the reduction of manufacturing jobs by voluntary redundancies and by the diversion of sales and administration to Belfast in Northern Ireland. The centralizing of management to the UK office saw the closing of their logistics office with this function outsourced to the private sector and the long destabilised practice of local management of plant, discontinued.

Deputy Lowry stated “Effectively what we are witnessing here is closure by stealth. The failure of the company to properly communicate with staff is deplorable. C&C have been disingenuous with regard to their real intentions regarding the Borrisoleigh site. Their method of doing business, their conduct and overall behaviour is nothing short of despicable.

“The Gleeson plant is synonymous with the village of Borrisoleigh and its people for generations have been the heartbeat of this local economy. This action by C&C will have a devastating impact on the workers and their families and the entire community.

“It is ironic that the company has been working 3 shifts to meet demand and that the plant has made substantial profits during its 2015 operations. C&C are a publically listed company, driven by shareholder demands. The human costs of this heartless decision are not regarded as a deciding factor. It would appear, ‘nothing must be allowed get in the way of profits’.

“I wish to convey my complete support with all employees affected by this sudden announcement and respectfully request that C&C now enter into meaningful negotiations with staff, management and Union representatives in an effort to resolve these matters” concluded  Michael Lowry T.D.