THE MAJORITY of workers at Cappoquin Chickens in Co Waterford yesterday accepted an offer relating to pay and conditions put to them by the new management.
The poultry factory was saved from closure late last week when it was sold to two private investors Perwiaz Latif and Zahid Hussain, owners of Derby Poultry in the UK.
Most of the 200 full-time and part-time workers at the plant expressed disappointment yesterday morning when proposed pay terms and conditions were relayed to them by the new management.
Workers walked out of a meeting with the management yesterday morning, saying they could not accept the terms on offer.
Employees were offered the minimum wage of €8.66 per hour without overtime pay even though overtime would be required. They were also told that 25 jobs would be lost.
The offer was rejected by staff at the plant. The company returned with a revised offer of €9 per hour plus overtime of time and a quarter.
Employees were told that they could either apply for a job with the new company or take redundancy terms set out by the liquidator.
Davy Lane of the Siptu branch in Waterford said 98 workers had opted to remain on at the plant. An estimated 50 redundancies would occur.
Mr Lane said workers were disappointed at the initial wage rate which was offered.
"There was a lot of anger when they came out with the minimum wage. What we are saying is that the agreed new wage is a six-month transitional arrangement. Siptu will continue to represent staff at the plant."
Talks are continuing for the factory's delivery and maintenance staff.
Union officials say workers opted to stay on at lower rates rather than face into a difficult jobs market.
Siptu shop steward Mary Lenihan, who has been employed at the plant for nine years, said workers were in a no-win situation.
"There is not a lot of work around here. What is your option? Walk out of here and go on the dole for €197 a week? You couldn't afford to walk away. We haven't basically got a choice. It is your livelihood."
The poultry processor went into liquidation on September 2nd with debts of between €7 million and €8 million.