Pfizer's troubles

Anger and fear intermingle as factory redundancies confirmed

Pfizer workers went through a rollercoaster of emotions, with anger, fear, and in some cases relief intermingling as they were finally told of 177 jobs cuts at the company’s two Cork factories.

Workers in the Little Island plant said they were particularly angered that news of the cuts had been leaked to the Irish Examiner before they were informed themselves.

One worker in the Ringaskiddy plant, who didn’t wish to be named, said some employees had tackled Pfizer management, believing one of them had leaked the job cuts.

Management denied they had done so, but said they were endeavouring to find out who was responsible.

Paul Depuis, Siptu organiser for pharmachem and medical industries, said the unions had met with management last week and had been told an announcement was to be made later this month.

"When it broke [in the Irish Examiner] they said they would move the announcement forward. It would be normal protocol that the people affected would be told first," said Mr Depuis.

Speaking outside the Little Island plant, where 48 jobs are to go, Mr Depuis said the average age of that plant’s work-force was 38 and many of them were married with young children and big mortgages.

http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/anger-and-fear-intermingle-as-factory-redundancies-confirmed-196473.html?