Members of the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) employed at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore, County Offaly, have begun strike action in a dispute over pay and union recognition. The plant, which produces cooked meats and ready meals, employs around 100 SIPTU members.
The workers launched a 12-hour work stoppage at 7 a.m. on Monday, with another 12-hour strike scheduled for Tuesday. Picket lines have been set up at the entrances to the facility as the dispute continues. SIPTU accused management of withdrawing from discussions regarding pay and working conditions.
Sofina Foods, the parent company of Carroll’s Cuisine, acknowledged the tensions at the Tullamore site. A spokesperson said the company “recognises that it has fallen short of our own high standards in supporting our colleagues, particularly in listening to and acting on their concerns promptly. For this, we apologise.”
The company also expressed gratitude to SIPTU for maintaining dialogue during a challenging period. Sofina Foods confirmed it remains committed to addressing concerns raised by employees, including pay and working conditions. The company noted that last week it held multiple direct meetings with approximately 200 colleagues at the plant, outlining a clear process and timeline for proposed improvements. Meetings with the Employee Relations Group are scheduled for next week to discuss these proposals in detail.
Referring to the ongoing industrial action, Sofina Foods stated that while it is not the outcome the company had hoped for, it respects employees’ right to strike. The company emphasized that the stoppages will affect its ability to serve customers but pledged to maintain a safe and supportive workplace.
To minimise disruption, Sofina Foods said it has implemented contingency measures, including additional shifts and the prioritization of key product lines to sustain production. The company reiterated that its focus remains on ensuring continuity of supply for customers and consumers while working to resolve the dispute.
The strike at Carroll’s Cuisine highlights broader tensions in the food manufacturing sector, where employees continue to push for improved pay and recognition of unions in negotiations with management. The outcome of these discussions could have wider implications for labour relations at Sofina Foods’ operations across Ireland.
