SIPTU Paperworkers in Ireland Take Action Against Smurfit Kappa

Trade union members of SIPTU, ICEM Irish affiliate Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, began industrial action at a Smurfit Kappa paper converting plant in Togher, Cork, a week ago. The 130 paperworkers staged a one-day work stoppage on 14 August in protest to management’s refusal to introduce a non-contributory sick pay scheme.

Further strikes were scheduled for today, and again next Monday, if the issue is not resolved.

Workers took industrial action after rejecting a recommendation from a Labour Court that would double the contribution they make toward sick leave and impose a sliding scale of payments down to just €100 a week for workers with long-term sicknesses. On average, under the court recommendation that is favoured by Smurfit Kappa, workers on sick leave would receive only a weekly payment of €127, half of which they would contribute themselves.

A SIPTU representative said workers at the corrugated box plant have been fighting for a proper sick pay scheme for years. “As far as we are concerned, the Smurfit plant can well afford a non-contributory sick pay scheme,” stated Bill Mulcahy of SIPTU’s Cork No. 7 Branch. “The local plant is doing well – making profits of around €2 million last year – and the Smurfit Group as a whole has turnover in the billions.” Paperworkers at the Togher plant are also conducting a work-to-rule campaign, which includes a refusal to perform overtime work.