SIPTU 'Exploring All Options' For Affected Johnson Brothers Staff

SIPTU's Graham Macken has said that the trade union is "seeking all options" for the 83 staff set to be made redundant at distribution firm Johnson Brothers. The trade union will meet with Johnson Brothers' management today, following consultation with employee representatives yesterday lunchtime.Staff at Johnson Brothers were notified of the redundancies on Friday, on the back of a company announcement that will see its company's transport and warehouse operations be outsourced to DHL.Macken, who described the company's decision as a "bolt from the blue", said that Johnson Brothers "has agreed to respect its statutory obligation to enter into a 30 day negotiation period during which no notice of redundancy can be served on employees."Among the options tabled for discussion with management at today's meeting are "redeployment [of affected staff] within the company, possible employment by DHL, the company to which distribution work at Johnson Brothers is being outsourced, and, where necessary, acceptable redundancy terms for staff," he added.Johnson Brothers currently employs 283 staff at its Ballymount headquarters. It distributes brands including Bic, Milton, Seven Seas, Cussons and Weetabix to the Irish market.