Future of B+L Waterford plant secured after wage cuts agreed

A majority of union-backed staff at the Bausch and Lomb contact lens plant in Waterford have accepted cost saving proposals with parent company Valeant – securing the long-term future of the facility.

SIPTU members at the Irish plant voted by 563 in favour to 157 against the agreement, which included a wage reduction of 7.5 per cent in basic pay, elimination of some bonuses, one hour added work per week and a reduction in a Sick Pay scheme.

The company also agreed on an improved redundancy package for the 200 Waterford workers B+L announced would be losing their jobs last month, a statement by SIPTU added.