SIPTU is calling on Manor Farm to end the practice of charging staff for safety equipment, despite claims it was aware of it since 2014.
The Shercock poultry producer says it discussed the policy with the union before it was introduced six years ago.
Yesterday, it was reported new staff at Carton Brothers and Manor Farm were being charged €50 for PPE, which would be reimbursed after 12 weeks employment.
The company said this measure was for steel-toe boots, jackets and helmets used "in the normal course of business", and not medical PPE or Covid-19 specific equipment.
In response, SIPTU said the type of PPE doesn't change their opposition to the practice, saying the Safety, Health and Welfare Act states any measures of health and safety shouldn't be paid for by employees.
In a statement to Shannonside Northern Sound News, Divisional Organiser Greg Ennis said the move isn't acceptable, and should "cease with immediate effect".
He said SIPTU will raise the matter with employers where this is taking place.
Manor Farm has defended the use of the deduction and said SIPTU was informed of the practice before it was first brought in in 2014.
