Baxter job cuts a blow to Mayo economy – Calleary

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs Dara Calleary has said the news that one of Co Mayo’s largest employers is cutting its workforce in Castlebar comes as a major blow to the local economy.

The Mayo Deputy said Baxter Healthcare’s announcement raises concerns about the future of the healthcare sector in Ireland.  It comes less than a week after a global pharmaceutical firm, MSD, announced that it’s closing its facility in Dublin with the loss of 570 jobs.

Deputy Calleary said, “My first thoughts are with the staff at Baxter in Castlebar and their families. This news is particularly upsetting in the lead up to Christmas.

“The staff must be must be given every support possible as decisions are made about voluntary redundancies.  Baxter has been a major employer in Co Mayo for decades and many of the staff will have worked there for years.  Everything must be done to ensure that they are offered redundancy terms that reflect their years of service and loyalty to the company.

“What is particularly worrying about this news is that Baxter is choosing to move some of its Castlebar operation abroad.  It comes less than a week after another large manufacturer in the healthcare sector, MSD, announced plans to close a major factory in Swords in Dublin in order to relocate some operations abroad.

“These two announcements raise concerns about the future of the healthcare manufacturing sector in Ireland. I am calling on the Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton to examine the challenges facing healthcare manufacturers operating in Ireland and see if there is a problem with our cost base.”