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Welcome to The Dairy Executives' Association
The Dairy Executives' Association ("DEA") is one of Ireland's oldest trade unions with a proud history dating back to 1899.  We are a registered Trade Union and have held a current negotiating licence since 1951.  With membership across the Food & Beverage industry and related sectors in Ireland, we are a highly respected and professional Trade Union representing salaried staff employed at executive and professional levels across all disciplines.

As a member of a registered and licenced Trade Union, you are entitled to receive information, advice and professional representation on all employment matters including pay, pension and working conditions.  The DEA enjoys the right to bargain on your behalf and, as a union member, you enjoy the specific protections & immunities conferred through the Industrial Relations Acts.  In addition, the DEA provides an essential forum for the development of the professional interest of our members through seminars, conferences, networking and publications.


Since its foundation in 1899, the DEA has organised executive and professional staff throughout Ireland's four provinces.  Members are affiliated to their local branch and meet at regular intervals to discuss issues of common interest whether in connection with employment matters or professional developments.  Every Member is encouraged to participate in the Union.  The DEA has undergone a natural progression which reflects the development of the Food & Beverage sector, from its rural creamery origins to the wide range of Agri-based industrial and commercial activities, which it now embraces.


It is important, particularly in these times of rapid and unpredictable change, that each executive in the Agri Industry has access to a professional body to represent his/her interests.  The DEA provides a unique forum for the executive in the Agribusiness sector, dealing not only with trade union matters but also with the major issues affecting the development and welfare of the industry.  The DEA is an invaluable aid to executives and professionals whether it is information, confidential advice or direct action that is required, or simply as a forum for making and maintaining contacts in the industry.


In addition to national and company-based bargaining and representation, the DEA provides individual Member advice and representation on:

  1. ·         Employment Contracts, Severance Settlements & Compromise Agreements
  1. ·         Job Security, Dismissal & Redundancy 
  1. ·         Salary, Pension & Benefits
  1. ·         Equality and Diversity
  1. ·         Discipline/Grievance and Bullying & Harassment
  1. ·         Work-related Stress issues 

Representation is by professional qualified negotiators and members have access to information and advice on all legal, actuarial and professional aspects of their employment.


With over 100 years of successful promotion and defence of Members' rights and interests, the DEA is uniquely placed in offering its Members the very best expertise throughout their long and increasingly mobile careers.