TRADE UNION SIPTU has said it is seeking an urgent meeting with Pfizer concerning the pharmaceutical multinational’s plans to cut 102 jobs at its plant in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

The US company has confirmed it is making the reductions across its manufacturing operations at the site, which is involved in the production of well-known drugs such as Viagra.

It has cited an “anticipated reduction” in manufacturing at the site, with Siptu saying that this is due to patents Pfizer held for certain drugs concluding and not requiring as much work.

In a statement, the company – which first established itself in Ringaskiddy in 1969 – said it made the decision after evaluating its manufacturing network, projected product demand, and long-term business objectives.

The company employs an estimated 800 people at the site, with the voluntary redundancies amounting to about 12% of the plant’s overall headcount.

A spokesperson said that reducing jobs is “always the very last resort and we have been doing all we can to minimise the impact” on its workforce.

“We are actively engaging with colleagues and their representatives, and all job-related decisions will be made with transparency, respect, and in compliance with all applicable laws,” the spokesperson said.

“For over 55 years, Pfizer’s sites in Ireland have played a key role in the global network, manufacturing many of our leading and newest medicines, with over $10 billion investment since operations began in 1969.”

As well as Viagra, the Ringaskiddy site is involved in the development of medicines for inflammation, oncology and diabetes.

Pfizer – which employs approximately 4,500 people across Ireland – has other operations in Newbridge and Dublin which are not affected by this round of redundancies.

Siptu representatives are seeking an urgent meeting with management at the manufacturing facility following the announcement yesterday.

The union told The Journal that it has around 300-400 members at the plant, of which 70 will be impacted the job cuts.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Andrea Cleere, said the announcement comes as a “blow” as members had previously worked through a voluntary redundancy programme in Ringaskiddy as recently as 2024.

Cleere told The Journal that manufacturing plans at the plant have been “reshaped” due to some products no longer being held exclusively for Pfizer after patents came to a close.

“That’s not to say it won’t pick up in two to three years but just not in the immediate sense,” Cleere added.

The union is now hoping to either reduce the number of redundancies or to improve exit packages for departing staff.

SIPTU organiser Ciara McMahon Flavin said Pfizer has been a “prominent and good employer” in Cork but she said it was “disappointing to see an innovator in pharmaceutical manufacturing once again announcing a significant reduction in staff”.