Home News Latest News Cadbury jobs plea issued

Cadbury jobs plea issued

Tuesday, 30 June 2009

A NORTHSIDE TD is calling on Cadbury to explore all possible ways of retaining vitally important jobs at its plant in Coolock. Dublin North East TD Tommy Broughan (Lab) was speaking after the company announced that it is looking to make 200 job cuts at Coolock and its plant in Rathmore, County Kerry. Deputy Broughan described the news as “devastating” for the workers and the wider community. “In October 2006, a three year programme involving the loss of 450 jobs was announced by the company and the further proposed 200 job losses is a shocking development,” said Deputy Broughan. “It is very worrying to see these ongoing job losses at such critical centres of local employment. “The latest proposed job losses will reduce the combined workforces in Dublin and Kerry to around 900.” Deputy Broughan said Cadbury Ireland has strong ties with the Northside and has long been a key employer in the Coolock area. “The company was well known for providing secure manufacturing jobs for many local people and many of the most famous Cadbury brands were developed at the Coolock plant,” he added. “I intend to ask the Taoiseach and Tanaiste to address the fallout from the proposed job losses. “I am also appealing to Cadbury to fully consult with their workforce and their trade union representatives and to explore all possible ways of retaining these vitally important jobs.” Donaghmede ward councillor Tom Brabazon (FF) has called for the IDA to assist in trying to get replacement jobs for those from Cadbury who now face unemployment. Cllr Brabazon said the news was bad for the Northside given the current economic downturn and recent job losses at SR Technics. “While unemployment has reached epidemic proportions nationally, and national solutions need to be found, I am of the view that the Northside has been particularly badly hit,” he stated. Artane Whitehall ward councillor Declan Flanagan (FG) said he was very saddened to hear of the proposed redundancies. “I would appeal to the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, to intervene and try and save the jobs,” he stated. A spokeswoman for Cadbury told Northside People their priority at the moment was to continue planned communications with all of their employees and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. “We are currently conducting briefings,” she said. “Consultation will commence with employee representatives at both sites to share the detail of these proposals in line with agreed processes and procedures. “We are very proud of our Irish heritage, our brands and the strong relationship we have with employees.” The spokeswoman said the company has a tremendous history and culture of looking after its staff. “This will continue to be the case,” she added. “However, we need to adapt to the new economic realities in order to safeguard the future of our Irish manufacturing operations.”