Striking production workers at the Roche (Ireland) Ltd plant in Clarecastle, Co Clare, have voted overwhelmingly for a return to work. The six-week strike, over nine compulsory redundancies, threatened to close the plant with the loss of 200 jobs. It remains unclear if the dispute will affect long-term investment by Hoffman La Roche, the Swiss owner.
The new terms were put to the strikers by SIPTU officials at a meeting yesterday. The strikers are understood to have voted by 70 to three to accept them.
They were recommended for acceptance by the union negotiators. After the meeting the SIPTU regional secretary, Mr George Hunter, said he was pleased with the outcome. The new terms provide for an extra £8,000 per redundant employee and the possibility of redeployment for some of those being let go.