SIPTU members in Coca-Cola in Drogheda have warned they will take industrial action, if it brings in contractors to do work normally performed by striking craftsmen. Coca-Cola is one of Drogheda's largest employers and there is a serious prospect of lay-offs among the 265-strong workforce by the end of next week if the strike is not resolved. The dispute is over a complex plant reorganisation which the company says is essential to long-term viability. SIPTU, which represents 160 employees, has already agreed to accept new work practices. So have non-unionised workers.

Last Monday the company decided that, because of the lack of progress in talks with the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union, which represents the craft workers, it would unilaterally introduce the proposed changes.