NEARLY 150 workers have been laid off at the Irish Country Meats plant in Roosky, Co Roscommon, because of an industrial dispute over work practices. The remaining 220 workers are on protective notice while the company, part of the Avonmore Group, reviews the plant's future.
The dispute follows company proposals to upgrade its boning procedures, with the boners claiming this could reduce their earnings by £40 a week.
Meanwhile, the strike at the Wellman International plant in Mullagh, Co Meath, is about to enter its second week with no signs of a breakthrough.