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The workers union SIPTU is calling on the Government and factories representative Meat Industry Ireland (MII) to create a fund to support workers during nationwide lay-offs due to beef protests.
Up to 3,000 workers have been laid off over the last week, with many told to sign on for social welfare payment.
However, SIPTU has pointed out that a high number of workers do not automatically quality for social welfare payments, as they’ve come from overseas as part of the Work Payment System.
Families with bills
“We currently have thousands of workers laid off and this is causing massive hardship for their families across the country.
"These are families with bills to pay, children to feed and rent now due,” SIPTU organiser Terry Bryan said.
“Currently we have 3,000 workers on temporary lay-off and there are 10,000 workers employed in the sector, so the potential for this crisis to get a lot worse is very real.
“This not only affects the workers and their families directly, but also the local communities, small businesses and retailers.”
Beef talks
Talks between MII and farm organisations are currently ongoing, having been reconvened by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.
"I expect all sides to recognise the urgency of the current situation, and to enter talks in good faith,” Minister Creed said.
The talks will also include the newest farm group, Independent Farmers of Ireland.
The group said it was coming to talks with a “clean slate” to relay information back to farmers who were protesting at factory gates.
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