Drogheda has had far more than its fair share of factory closures in recent years – think Coca-Cola, Premier Periclase, Flogas and most recently Becton and Dickinson. These closures and the failure of the IDA to locate new industry in Drogheda has wreaked havoc on the local economy.

This week a war of words, or rather a war of no words, broke out in the BD factory where the failure of management to engage with their 200 workers about the impending closure of the plant which has been providing good jobs in the town for over 60 years, prompted the workers to start a ‘work-to-rule’ industrial action.

On Wednesday SIPTU Sector Organiser, Andrea Cleere said that ever since the announcement in July that this very profitable plant is to close fully by September 2026, SIPTU representatives have sought to work with management to seek alternatives that could maintain it in operation.

“We have provided management with every opportunity to consider options to protect our members’ jobs and reduce the impact that these redundancies will have on the workers, their families and the wider community” she said.

“Our members have remained patient over the last number of months while seeking meaningful engagement with the management of this US-headquartered company which has been in Drogheda for more than 60 years. However, their patience has run out and they have voted to commence industrial action.”

Outrageous treatment of workers - Nash

Local Labour TD Ged Nash was quick to condemn what he described as “outrageous treatment” of the BD workers by the company as it plans to shutter the Donore Road plant.

“Since the shock announcement by the company, I have worked intensively with workers and unions and in terms of engagement with IDA and the government to, in the first instance, establish if Drogheda’s only large-scale IDA-backed manufacturing facility can be retained” The Labour Deputy said.

“Despite the best efforts of workers and their unions, BD has doubled-down and is determined to close the plant, which will ultimately lead to the loss of 176 good jobs.

“I fully back the decision by SIPTU and Connect trade unions to engage in a work to rule. In terms of the information I have received on the conduct of the consultation process in regard to potential redundancies by management and the dog-in-a-manger attitude they have adopted, I can see why 97% of SIPTU members voted in favour of industrial action.

“The process has been pock-marked by uncertainty and ambiguity on the management side which has contributed to an unfortunate atmosphere of distrust. The negotiations to date cannot be described as meaningful.

“In truth, proposals put forward to date by the company have fallen well short of the established norms in relation to previous redundancy packages in BD.

“This is all the more alarming given that it is not the case that the firm is seeking some redundancies to help cut costs, but it is pressing the nuclear option of complete closure.”

Comyn highlights frustrations of BD workers

Fianna Fáil General Election candidate for Louth Alison Comyn has also been in contact with workers at BD who have told her of their frustration at lack of engagement with management on alternatives to the facility closure.

“Members are saying they have been left with no alternative to this action, as they are trying to protect jobs in the area, and look after people who have worked in the plant for decades; sometimes whole families relying on the facility for employment,” Ms Comyn said.

“Union reps say they are fully available to engage in meaningful negotiations with management concerning the future of the plant, and look at options to protect jobs and reduce the impact that these redundancies will have on the workers, their families and the wider community.”

The closure of the global Medtech firm’s local plant came as a massive blow to the town, as it marked its 60th anniversary earlier this year, and has employed thousands of people in Drogheda.

“BD leaving the town is like saying farewell to a family member after six decades, and also sounded the death knell for industry and investment in this part of Louth,” she added. 

 “Jobs in this area must be protected at all costs and we should be building on what we have, and attracting more IDA and FDI interest to our existing, state-of-the-art facilities.

“We have thousands of people coming to live in our new homes in South Louth and we have to offer them a meaningful source of livelihood and lifestyle.”