Strike begins at Kerry Group as drivers with decades of service fight redundancy

Kerry Agribusiness drivers have begun a strike due to the company's decision to impose compulsory redundancies.

According to Ireland's largest trade union, SIPTU, five drivers in the company - all of whom have worked for the company for decades - will be made redundant, with SIPTU members "reluctantly" voting in favour of strike action after pursuing "every other avenue open to them". 

One hundred people employed by Kerry Agribusiness are also SIPTU members. 

Part of the Kerry Group, Kerry Agribusiness assembles over 1 billion litres of milk every year from 3,000 milk suppliers, and operates 32 farm stores. 

SIPTU members have reportedly been picketing the headquarters of the Kerry Group in Tralee since 9am yesterday morning (January 17).  

In a post published on the official SIPTU Facebook page, a spokesperson stated: "An injury to one is the concern of all. Our members on strike today at Kerry Agribusiness in Tralee have dedicated a lifetime of work to the company. 

"For workers to be disrespected by management in this way is totally unacceptable. We have your back." 

According to SIPTU sector organiser, Denis Gormalley, the workers sought reasonable engagement with the company to avoid the redundancies, however Kerry Agribusiness reportedly "refused to enter discussions". 

SIPTU Industrial Organiser Sharon Ryan, added: "Our driver members have dedicated a lifetime of committed work to the company with service ranging from 29 to over 45 years and it is extremely regrettable that they now face compulsory redundancy.

"We urge the company to reverse its decision to make our members compulsorily redundant and to provide a window of opportunity to find a resolution to this dispute."