Meat Industry Ireland has warned that more companies will be forced to lay off workers, if beef protests continue.
Beef Plan Movement is continuing its rolling protests outside 20 plants nationwide.
Members are unhappy with what they say are the low prices they're getting for their livestock.
The scene this lunchtime as farmers protests continue outside Dawn Meats in Grannagh pic.twitter.com/3fFYNq9IJ8
— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) August 8, 2019
150 workers at Dawn Meats on the Kilkenny/Waterford border have been told of temporary lay-offs.
It's because trucks carrying cattle are being blocked from gaining access to the plants.
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed says efforts to reach out to the farmers and begin talks if they suspend their protests have been rejected.
Seán Harris from Beef Plan Movement says while they regret any job losses, their protests continue:
That's regrettable to see that happening and we don't want to see that.
Mr Harris added "We're 12 days into this protest, and if this is what's happening to the workers in 12 days, just imagine if we're not successful what's going to happen to the workers, if we won't be here. They won't have jobs either."
