Power expresses disappointment at Pfizer job losses

Kildare South Fianna Fáil TD Sean Power has expressed his disappointment that there are to be job losses at the Pfizer plant in Newbridge.

“Pfizer is Ireland’s biggest multinational employer and a huge part of the community in Newbridge so it is very disappointing to hear this news of job losses today.”

“In the Newbridge plant, 275 positions will be impacted, leaving 770 remaining positions. The jobs will be phased out beginning at the end of this year and over the next 18 months. It is expected that the bulk of the jobs will be phased out in 2013.”

“It is disappointing for the workers and their families but also for the town as job losses have a negative knock-on effect.”

“The site at Newbridge will remain open with a new role focussed on Specialised Technology.”

“The job losses at Newbridge are part of a global restricting by Pfizer.”

“I have been in contact with the Minister for Enterprise, Batt O’Keeffe about this matter. He has assured me that every state support possible will be given to those workers who will lose their jobs over the next 18 months.”

“Pfizer, and Wyeth before it has been an excellent employer in Newbridge and it is important that the Government continue to support them,” concluded Deputy Power.