Shock at pharma giant job losses

NEWS that pharmaceutical giant Bristol Myers Squibb is to close its facility in Cruiserath, Mulhuddart, by the end of 2015 with the potential loss of 130 jobs has been described as a

“deep blow

? for North Dublin.

A further 30 jobs will go at the company’s plant in Swords following the company’s decision which it blamed on changing market demand.

Local TD and Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, expressed his dismay at the last week’s news.

“It’s a hugely disappointing development to lose both the Cruiserath plant and the Swords unit and I want to extend my concerns and sympathies to the staff and their families,

? Minister Varadkar said.

“There is some limited consolation for staff as the Cruiserath plant will continue operating until the second half of 2015, although the positions will still be lost. It will at least give employees some time to seek alternative employment.

“In the meantime, it’s important that the State agencies give full assistance to help the staff find alternative positions. It’s also crucial that Enterprise Ireland and the IDA start looking immediately for a potential buyer for the two facilities, both of which have considerable potential for a new investor.

?

Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD, promised her Department would be on hand to help employees affected by the decision.

“My first thoughts are with the workers affected and their families,

? she said.

“Clearly all the supports of the State will be made available if and when they are needed.

“Despite the significant progress we have made on job creation in the past two years, it remains the case that we have to fight hard to maintain the jobs we have and create new ones.

?

Bristol-Myers Squibb will continue manufacturing at the Cruiserath facility until the end of 2015 and the company will work with IDA Ireland to explore potential future uses of the Cruiserath facility.

A spokesperson said Bristol-Myers Squibb has a long history in Ireland and would endeavour to minimize job losses.

SIPTU, which represents over 100 Bristol-Myers Squibb workers at Swords Labourites, said 20 of its member were being made redundant.

“We are led to believe that these redundancies will be voluntary and the offer will be made across the site,

? said SIPTU Organiser, Michelle Quinn.

“This announcement came as a shock to the workers and their families.

“We also regret the announcement by the company of the closure of the Cruiserath facility in Dublin 15 with the lose of 130 jobs.

?