SIPTU seeks urgent meeting after Pfizer cuts 100 jobs at Cork site

Eva Osborne

SIPTU is seeking an urgent meeting with management at Pfizer after it announced the loss of 100 jobs at its manufacturing site in Ringaskiddy in Cork.

The US pharmaceutical company said the manufacturing operation support roles will be cut in the last three months of the year.

It has cited an anticipated reduction in volume requirements and changes to the Small Molecule operations at the site.

SIPTU Sector Organiser Andrea Cleere, said staff are shocked.

"Well it's a major blow to the work force and members of SIPTU employed in Pfizer Ringskiddy, many of whom have been employed there for decades," she said.

"So, really, it's shock at the moment while they absorb the information, assess how it may impact them individually and collectively as a work force on site."

Cork Sinn Féin TD, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire, said supports must be put in place for the impacted employees.

Speaking to Newstalk, he said: "For the Government's part, it should be examining any possibilities that exist to preserve jobs, including engaging with the company. That should be the first objective.

"If not, I hope workers' representatives get the best possible conditions for workers, and state agencies need to be on the ground.

"They need to be there, ready to support those facing redundancies, to ensure every possible support is provided by the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Enterprise."