JNJ, etc...another factor.
How much more of this will we see?:
J&J Belgian research arm paralysed by strike
Mon Nov 19, 2007 6:29am EST
BRUSSELS, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Workers at Johnson & Johnson's (JNJ.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Belgian research arm Janssen Pharmaceutica went on strike on Monday in protest at job cuts that are part of the pharmaceutical group's global restructuring.
Activities at the three Janssen plants were paralysed with most of the 4,700 workers joining in the industrial action. Just a few clinical trials, part of research programmes, were taking place, said the head of public affairs Stefan Gijssels.
"This affects all our activities," said Gijssels. "We have no idea how long it will last, but we have to talk with unions as soon as possible. That means probably in the coming days."
Johnson & Johnson said in July it would cut 3 to 4 percent of its global workforce, or up to 4,800 jobs, to offset declining sales of certain drugs.
As part of this, Janssen Pharmaceutica planned to cut costs by 15 percent, including axing 521 full-time employees and not renewing 167 temporary workers' contracts. But a social plan presented to workers was voted down last Thursday by 90 percent.
Janssen has told workers that the move is necessary because of the changing nature of the pharmaceutical industry in which many blockbuster drugs are about to lose patents and regulatory costs are increasing.
"At the same time we have to invest in research," said Gijssels. "We are in the same boat as a number of other pharmaceutical companies."
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