Becton Dickinson redundancy package agreed

SIPTU members employed at the Becton Dickinson plant in Drogheda voted overwhelmingly yesterday (Monday, 16th December) to accept a proposed redundancy package, following extensive negotiations between management and Union representatives.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Andrea Cleere, said: “Following the shock announcement in July 2024 that Becton Dickinson intended to close its facility in Drogheda, SIPTU representatives have tirelessly engaged with management to negotiate a redundancy package which would be acceptable to our members. Following local discussions, external mediation and conciliation under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission, the terms of a proposal were agreed.

“General meetings were held with SIPTU members to discuss the proposal which set out the terms of the compulsory redundancies which will apply to 110 workers, who are to be made redundant by the end of March 2025, and the remaining workforce, of approximately 90 people, who will be made redundant in September 2026, when the site fully closes.”

She added: “The acceptance by our members of these redundancy terms has brought clarity concerning the conclusion of their employment with Becton Dickinson and will now allow them to plan for their future.”

BD Drogheda Plant Manager Catherina McGuirk said: “The agreement recognises the commitment and hard work that every employee has given to BD over the years and gives our employees the clarity they need to plan for the future as we all move forward.

“The decision to close BD’s plant in Drogheda has been extremely difficult for everyone, given BD’s long history and association with the town. When faced with difficult business decisions, BD is guided by our values and ‘doing what is right’ for all stakeholders. Now that our employees have certainty about their futures, BD will turn its attention to the town of Drogheda to ensure a lasting positive legacy on the community.”

Mike Fairbourn, UK and Ireland General Manager for BD, said: “BD is very pleased that we have been able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, and we are grateful to the Workplace Relations Commission for their assistance.

“BD has a long and proud history in Ireland and we continue to maintain a significant Irish presence through our manufacturing and R&D facilities in Enniscorthy, Limerick and Blackrock. The decision to close the Drogheda facility was not one that was taken lightly, and I am very aware of the impact this has had on our employees and the local community. This is why BD has committed to work collaboratively with the IDA and local officials to secure a new owner for the facility. This would mean that the site can remain as a contributor to Drogheda’s economic growth, as well as a potential source of employment.

“I was pleased to have an opportunity to meet with the IDA and local TDs earlier this year and look forward to continuing to engage with both the IDA and new and existing TDs in Louth as we begin the orderly wind down of the plant and search for new owners.”