Outrageous treatment of Debenhams workers must not be repeated

Friday, 21 May 2021 12:24

That's according to the ASTI who have issued a statement after former Debenhams worker accepted proposals to end their 400 day old dispute

The ASTI notes that former-Debenhams workers have accepted proposals to end their industrial dispute in a ballot conducted by Mandate trade union.

The ASTI commends the courage and perseverance demonstrated by these Mandate members over the past year, often in the face of unacceptable and intolerable conditions. Their struggle - in the context of a pandemic - involving pickets, protests, marches, occupations, blockades and sit-down protests is an example of extraordinary trade union activism in pursuit of their just rights and entitlements.

It is now essential that the Government prioritises the necessary legislative changes to ensure no workers will face the circumstances experienced by the former-Debenhams workers in the future.

Yesterday former Debenhams staff workers voted to accept the offer of a €3 million training fund after after 400 days of action.

330 workers at Debenhams on Patrick Street and at Mahon Point shopping centre all lost their jobs last year with the closure of the Irish stores
and former staff battled for a better redundancy deal, staging pickets, protests, marches, occupations and blockades right up until recent days.

The staff have vowed to continue to campaign for reform of redundancy legislation.