Archer Daniels reviews future of Irish citric acid plant

20 March 2003 16:14  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (CNI)--US agrochemical group Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is undertaking an economic review of plant operations at its 60 000 tonne/year citric acid facility at Ringaskiddy in County Cork, Irish Republic.

The plant was closed on 7 March as a result of workers failing to accept the company's restructuring proposals.

The Services, Industrial, Professional, Technical Union (SIPTU) said the plan was put in place without its agreement and the company has refused to deal with the union. It is not known how long the plant will be closed, although ADM is reported as saying it will be temporary.

SIPTU branch secretary Eddie Mullins said the company's proposal includes employees being transferred from their existing locations, an increased level of responsibility being placed on a number of workers and a change in the shift system. Mullins said the union has agreed to the change in shift pattern and could implement it in a couple of weeks.

The Administrative, Professional and Technical branch of SIPTU has accepted the proposal under protest and referred the matter to the Labour Relations Commission (LRC), said Mullins.

Two other unions represented at the site, the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union, and the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union have agreed to the restructuring plan.

Around 160-170 people are employed at the plant.

Prices in the European citric acid market are at all time lows caused by cheap Chinese imports.

By: Elaine Burridge
+44 20 8652 3214

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