SIPTU and Unite members will begin a strike of indefinite duration at the Cadbury’s production plant in Coolock, Dublin 5, tomorrow (Thursday, 3rd March) at 7.00 a.m. in a dispute concerning the outsourcing of jobs. SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Dunne, said: “Union members voted overwhelmingly to take this action following an announcement by management that it intends to unilaterally implement a Labour Court recommendation and outsource the jobs of 17 directly employed store workers. The work stoppage at the plant will continue until management ends the attempt to outsource these jobs. “The Labour Court recommendation had previously been rejected by a large majority of the 350 union members employed in the production plant. SIPTU and UNITE members proposed further talks on reducing costs and increasing flexibility in relation to the operation of the store facility at the plant. This proposal was rejected outright by management leaving the workers with no option but to take the industrial action that will begin tomorrow morning.” SIPTU Manufacturing Division Organiser, Gerry McCormack, said: “The attempt to outsource these jobs is seen as a further erosion of the viability of the facility. It follows the movement of the production of the ‘Time Out’ bar from this plant to Poland. “Workers at the plant have over recent years agreed to the major restructuring of operations and changes in work practices. However, the attempt by the management of Mondelez International to further downgrade the plant’s operations has caused outrage and increased fears among the workforce about its long-term commitment to the facility.”