Options to be put to Jacob's workers

The future of the Jacob Fruitfield plant in Tallaght, Co Dublin, where 300 jobs are under threat, is likely to be clarified following…

The future of the Jacob Fruitfield plant in Tallaght, Co Dublin, where 300 jobs are under threat, is likely to be clarified following a meeting of workers today.

Management has threatened to close the plant following the workers' rejection last weekend of a survival plan that had been agreed with unions.

However, workers will be given the option of voting again on the plan at a meeting scheduled for lunchtime today.

If they decide to reverse their decision to reject the survival plan, which involves changes in work practices, the future of the plant is expected to be secured.

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The company, which manufactures Jacob's biscuits, is Tallaght's largest employer, and its closure would have a hugely negative impact on the local economy.

Tallaght-based Fianna Fáil TD Charlie O'Connor said yesterday he had briefed Minister for Enterprise Micheál Martin, who is in the US, about "the gravity of the situation".

The company says the changes are required to establish a more efficient, flexible and competitive manufacturing operation.

Unions at the plant - Siptu, the ATGWU and the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union - recommended acceptance of the changes following negotiations at the Labour Relations Commission.

Following the workers' decision to reject the changes on Sunday, chief executive Michael Carey wrote to staff saying their decision meant the company could no longer manufacture or distribute products from Tallaght.

Siptu food branch official Brendan Carr said last night a number of options would be put to workers at today's meeting.

Chris Dooley

Chris Dooley

Chris Dooley is Foreign Editor of The Irish Times