Trade union SIPTU has said it intends to engage with North Cork Creameries "to explore alternatives to the proposed job losses".

Workers at North Cork Creameries were informed last week by management there that their jobs at the plant in Kanturk, Co. Cork are at risk.

This is because the plant has been forced to cease processing activity, after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suspended the dairy business' licence to discharge water from its wastewater treatment plant.

Up to 100 jobs could be lost at the plant. It is understood SIPTU has not, as of yet, been formally notified by North Cork Creameries of the situation at the plant.

Urgent meeting

SIPTU representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with senior management at North Cork Creameries.

SIPTU organiser, Sharon Ryan said: “Our immediate concerns are with our members and their families who are only beginning to come to terms with the possible loss of their livelihoods.

"We have met with company representatives yesterday (Monday, March 9), where we requested a meeting with senior management to discuss the details of what is being proposed.

"The company is a major employer in Kanturk and the north Cork area, employing more than 100 workers."

Ryan added that SIPTU is "aware there have been difficulties at the plant for some time related to ongoing issues with the effluent plant and the EPA’s decision to revoke its operating licence".

"The company has informed us that it doesn’t intend to begin the 30-day statutory redundancy consultation process at this time," Ryan said.

“Union representatives will also engage with all stakeholders to seek to limit the impact any job losses will have on the local economy and community.”