Latest job threat should spur Government to action

October 18th: Unite, which represents administrative, technical and craft grades at Wyeth Nutritionals in Askeaton, Co Limerick, said this evening (Wednesday) that workers were shocked to be told this afternoon that the plant is facing closure in 2026 with the potential loss of approximately 540 jobs, some of which the company proposes shedding as early as 2024.  Wyeths is owned by the Swiss Nestle group, which in July upgraded its growth outlook on the back of a strong performance in the first half of 2023. nite R 

Unite is calling on management to engage with unions at the earliest opportunity in a bid to examine alternatives to the proposed closure and save vital jobs and skills.  

Pointing out that today’s announcement is just the latest in a series of job threats in the multinational sector, the union also called on the Government to work with unions and other stakeholders to develop a jobs retention strategy in the sector.

Commenting, Unite Regional Coordinating Officer Tom Fitzgerald said:

“Workers were shocked to be told today of management’s proposal to close the Askeaton plant in 2026.  Union members were particularly disappointed to find that the company chose to communicate their plans to the media before informing unions.  Management now needs to engage immediately with unions to explore alternatives to closure of the plant and minimise redundancies, while also ensuring the best possible package of supports for any workers who do lose their jobs”.

Regional Officer Jean O’Dowd added:

“The plant has been operating in Askeaton since 1974, and today’s news is not only a blow to the workers and their families, but to the local economy as a whole.

“This is just the latest in a series of job losses in the multinational sector.  The Government now needs to engage with unions and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable job retention strategy in the sector”.