SIPTU announces further work stoppages at Abbeyfeale Kostal plant

The trade union SIPTU has served notice of further work stoppages at the Kostal manufacturing plant in Abbeyfeale, radio station Radio Kerry reported. The union stated that the dispute centers on redundancy terms and what it described as management refusing to engage meaningfully with representatives. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, SIPTU members at the plant previously announced that industrial action would begin on November 16, starting with a four-hour work stoppage and pickets at 2.30pm. [3]

The dispute follows an announcement by Kostal in January to make 140 workers redundant by the end of March 2027, according to Radio Kerry and earlier reporting by FTMQ News. Radio Kerry and FTMQ News both reported that the redundancies follow a decision by the company to move production of onboard chargers to China. [1][3]

Kostal produces electronic components for the automotive industry, Radio Kerry reported. The company is a major employer across North Kerry and West Limerick. [1]