THERE is an increasing likelihood that the dispute at meat plants around the State will escalate over the next few days, causing widespread lay-offs.
Talks between the Department of Agriculture and Impact, which represents the 300 meat inspectors and carcass classification officers involved, broke down yesterday afternoon.
The Department has informed Impact members boycotting the intervention and export subsidy schemes that they could face suspension if they do not end their industrial action.
However, a spokesman for Impact said last night that "if anyone is put on short time there will be a swift response from the union, which could affect a lot more than the intervention and export subsidy schemes".
Both sides are maintaining informal contacts, and there are likely to be renewed discussions before the end of the week.
The union is seeking extra staff, and further training for existing staff, who are required by the EU to operate tighter inspection controls because of irregularities in the industry uncovered by the beef tribunal.
Meat plants are experiencing a seasonal peak in production, with about 9,000 workers employed. There are fears of large scale layoffs if the dispute is not resolved soon.
Mr John Smith of the Irish Meat Producers' Association would not comment on the dispute yesterday, saying it was inappropriate to do so when his members were not directly involved.
Meanwhile, the Fianna Fail spokesman on agriculture, Mr Brian Cowen, has called on the Minister, Mr Yates, to ask Impact members to suspend their action. So far, Mr Cowen said, the Minister's interventions "have exacerbated the problem".