Kildare councillor says he ‘stands in solidarity’ with Pfizer workers in Newbridge amidst workforce changes

A Kildare county councillor has said that he 'stands in solidarity' with workers in Pfizer's Newbridge plant following the recent job losses announcement made by the pharmaceutical giant.

Yesterday, Pfizer announced that 100 jobs would be cut at its facility located in Newbridge.

The move is part of a wider global restructuring process arising from a significant drop in demand for its Covid-19 vaccines and treatments.

However, Pfizer is also expanding its workforce at its production plant in Grange Castle, County Dublin and Ringaskiddy in County Cork, adding a further 230 new roles.

Elaborating on his views, Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who is based in Newbridge, said: "I stand in solidarity with the hardworking employees at Pfizer's Newbridge facility during this challenging time.

"These dedicated workers have been the backbone of Pfizer's operations, and their concerns and well-being must be our utmost priority."

Cllr Chris Pender, who is aligned with the Social Democrats party.

He continued: "It is expected that revenues from Pfizer's Comirnaty vaccine will decline by 70 per cent this year compared to 2022 levels, primarily due to the easing of the pandemic, and Paxlovid sales are predicted to decrease by 95 per cent.

"Grange Castle, one of the few sites globally that produced the active ingredient for Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine, will see workforce growth as it continues to play a pivotal role in manufacturing.

"The active ingredient for Paxlovid is produced in Ringaskiddy, with no impact on employment in this location."

Cllr Pender added that it is 'our duty' to ensure that the Pfizer workers affected by these changes 'are provided with the support and assistance they need' during this transition.

He said: "Their well-being and livelihoods must be safeguarded as we navigate these trying times together.

"Pfizer is actively engaging in a consultation process with staff in Newbridge to navigate the job cuts, and I am committed to working closely with the affected employees and their representatives to advocate for their interests."

Cllr Pender further said that while it is anticipated that Pfizer may announce additional changes affecting its Irish operations soon, he 'vows to stand beside the workers and their communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.'

He concluded: "I am here to support and represent the workers and their families in Newbridge, and I will fight for their rights and well-being every step of the way... together, we will overcome these challenges."

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'DEEPLY CONCERNING'

A separate Kildare politician, Labour Party Senator Mark Wall, also commented on the news.

He said: "The announcement from Pfizer is deeply concerning.

"This will be a devastating blow for the workers and their families; Pfizer must now engage with union officials in a meaningful way."

File photograph: Labour Party Senator Mark Wall.

Senator Wall continued: "We in Labour echo the call from SIPTU (the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union), who represent more than 700 workers at the facility.

"We call on the company to meet with union officials to discuss the proposals and to explore all options."

"The loss of these jobs in Newbridge will have a significant impact on Newbridge and the wider Kildare area," he concluded.

Another Kildare-based politician who has responded to the news is Sinn Féin TD Patricia Ryan.

She said: "100 jobs is a significant blow, especially to the workers directly affected, and their families."

"We would hope some of those jobs will be moved to other Pfizer facilities in Cork and Dublin and we would hope that urgent communication and discussion will be ongoing to ensure that as many jobs as possible are saved," Ms Ryan added.