NUMBER OF POSITIONS TO GO AT COCACOLA AFTER GLOBAL DECISION
UNSPECIFIED NUMBER OF POSTS EXPECTED TO GO BY END OF THE YEAR
AN UNSPECIFIED number of jobs are to go at Coca- Cola’s Drogheda office in a global restructuring plan.
It is likely to impact on those working in “integrated services”, which includes HR, finance, payroll, accounting etc. These are services they intend to outsource.
The decision is expected to impact on approximately half of the operation based in Drogheda.
A worldwide review starts within the next few months and final decisions are expected by the end of 2019. Consultations have started with staff and teams.
Sinn Féin TD for Louth and East Meath Imelda Munster called on the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty to enter into discussions with CocaCola as a matter of urgency requesting that they review the decision to outsource jobs from their base at Southgate.
Deputy Munster contacted the Minister at foot of the announcement that Coca- Cola intends to change the way it works to increase its speed and agility by using third party providers for managed services.
“Coca- Cola, which announced an investment of €26m in its plant in Ballina last September, has been part of the fabric of Drogheda for many decades and a mainstay for employment over that time. This news is distressing for the people of the town and I am deeply concerned that jobs will be lost.’
“I am calling on the Minister and the Government to fight for jobs in this town. Drogheda has lost out enough over the years and has massive under-investment as it stands, which makes it even more imperative that we retain the jobs that we have.”
The potential loss of jobs at Coca- Cola is a serious cause for concern, Fergus O’Dowd TD said.
“I am very disappointed to hear that there could be a potential loss of jobs. At this time the extent of the job losses is unclear. According to the company this decision is on foot of global restructuring.
“It is essential that any employee who becomes unemployed is fully supported by the state and that every effort will be made to help them re-enter the workforce as quickly as possible and to assist their transition at this very difficult time.’
“The company has given its commitment to engage with any industrial relations processes which may be required.’
Senator Ged Nash said he was concerned by the news.
“In light of the review of effectively one half of its operation in the town, a sword of Damocles is now hanging over the heads of a substantial number of workers at the Coke facility. This uncertainty for staff must be brought to an end and meaningful engagement must take place between the company and its staff.
“There need not be job losses at the Drogheda operation and I am calling on the government and the IDA not to abandon the Coke staff in Drogheda but to fight tooth and nail to retain these valued positions and Coca- Cola’s footprint in Drogheda.”
Drogheda Urban election candidate for Fianna Fáil, Anthony Moore, called on CocaCola to scrap the shock announcement of job cuts . Moore said: “This is a devastating blow for Coca- Cola’s 200 Drogheda workers and their families. It is not acceptable for Coca- Cola to drop a bombshell like this on them. They deserve better.’
He added, “The people of Drogheda have been very loyal to Coca- Cola over the years and in recognition of that, the firm needs to re-think this decision. I have been in touch with Coca- Cola and the IDA to establish the facts about this and to ensure that steps are taken to persuade the firm to scrap this ill-conceived plan. In the meantime, I am ready to offer the workers affected by this announcement any assistance they need”.
East Meath councillor Paddy Meade said it was a ‘devastating’ blow for the area as many of the staff were long term and had given so much to a good employer.
‘Finding jobs in Drogheda is going to be tough for people and I’d hope Coca- Cola would help people in their future job prospects.
‘It would be good to see as many jobs as possible saved.’