Minister Concerned Over Vita Cortex Factory Workers

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has expressed his concern at the continuing situation at the Vita Cortex factory in Cork which has involved workers at the plant engaging in a sit-in arising from a dispute with their employer over redundancy payments.

Minister Richard Bruton TD stated: "In the interest of achieving an early resolution in this dispute, I would encourage both parties to meet under the auspices of the State’s industrial relations machinery as soon as possible with a view to exploring ways of resolving the issues in dispute."


The Minister's office has been in continuous contact over the Christmas period with representatives of Vita Cortex workers in SIPTU and advised them that since January 2011, following a reorganisation of responsibilities, the issue of redundancy payments had transferred to the Department of Social Protection.

Minister Bruton understands that the Department of Social Protection, which has responsibility for the redundancy payments scheme has been in contact with the company about expediting the processing of applications under the scheme for the workers concerned. The Minister confirmed that he has asked the Labour Relations Commission to be on stand-by to assist in this matter.

Visit: SIPTU's Manufacturing Division To Escalate Dispute At Vita Cortex

(CD/GK)