Employees at the global medical technology firm had been told in July that, following a review of the company’s manufacturing supply chain, the plant is to close with the loss of around 200 jobs.
The news came as a massive blow to workers, following on from 60 redundancies last year.
The US company has been in Drogheda for 60 years and in 2021 opened a new facility as part of a €62m investment to expand the company’s production of BD PosiFlush syringes.
The work-to-rule will include a ban on overtime and lack of cooperation with compliance certification work.
“Since the announcement on July 3 that this very profitable plant is to close fully by September 2026, SIPTU representatives have sought to work with management on alternatives that could maintain it in operation,” SIPTU Sector Organiser, Andrea Cleere said.
She said 97pc of members voted in favour of industrial action.
It is understood that the company was offering a package worth less than a previous redundancy deal.
“We have provided management with every opportunity to consider options to protect our members’ jobs and reduce the impact that these redundancies will have on the workers, their families and the wider community.
“Our members have remained patient over the last number of months while seeking meaningful engagement with the management of this US-headquartered company which has been in Drogheda for more than 60 years. However, their patience has run out and they have voted to commence industrial action from today.
“SIPTU representatives remain available to engage in meaningful negotiations with management concerning the future of the plant.”
At the time, the company said it remained committed to Ireland where it has a site in Limerick, a research and development facility in Dublin and a manufacturing facility in Wexford which received a €30m cash injection last year.
Siptu Manufacturing Divisional Organiser, Neil McGowan, said the union would not accept anything less than concentrated and swift Government intervention to ensure an IDA-backed manufacturing company remains in the area.
“We cannot allow a situation where the skills of our members in BD and the infrastructure that is in place already is allowed to go to the wall while the Government sits on its hands,” he said.
The first redundancies are expected to affect around 110 employees in March next year, with further job losses up to September 2026.
The company produces oncology, interventional radiology and critical care products at the plant.
Becton Dickinson said in a statement that it immediately engaged with representatives from unions and employees at the site to begin a consultation process following its July 3 announcement.
It said it continues to actively engage with unions and its employees “to consult and negotiate in good faith”, which included meetings this week.
The company said the consultation process is continuing and there will be a referral to the Workplace Relations Commission if agreement cannot be reached.