Employees at the ADM citric acid plant in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, have called on local politicians to intervene in a dispute which they say has left them locked them out of work since Friday.
Management at the food chemical manufacturing plant have implemented a restructuring plan which the workers argue is unfair. The 170 workers, members of SIPTU, say that management has refused to allow them to do their jobs.
Workers were laid off temporarily on Friday as the dispute over new work practices reached a head.
The managing director, Mr Brian Leahy, has blamed the shutdown on union action. He said it occurred because SIPTU workers refused to accept a restructuring plan which was necessary in today's difficult business environment.
No details have emerged of the plan, but it is thought to be linked to shift structures.
SIPTU branch secretary Mr Eddie Mullins said the union was available for discussions, but management had refused to begin negotiations.
He called on local TDs to urge the company to come to talks.
"I would be asking the politicians to make their voices known to the company, and basically asking that they would engage in the proper process with us."
A worker, Mr Gus Harrington, said employees were "shattered" at the way the company tried to implement the changes.
"We are shocked at the way they are behaving. We are willing to go back to work. We are willing to talk."