There was a strong IMPACT presence outside of Clerys on O’Connell Street on Tuesday to protest against the recent treatment of the department store’s staff. The lunchtime rally saw over 1,000 people gather to call for justice for the workers left reeling by the sudden closure of the store last week. Tourists and the passing public also offered words of support.
There was an emotional atmosphere as staff described how they were treated when the company went into liquidation last week. Staff who had worked in the store for decades were shocked to lose their jobs with immediate effect.
The protest was attended by a broad cross-section of politicians and trade unionists. The IMPACT contingent consisted of members, staff and retired members who came to offer solidarity.
Dunnes rally
On the 6th of June a large, colourful contingent of IMPACT members and staff took part in the 3,000 strong march and rally for the Dunnes Stores workers. Protestors marched from Merrion Square to the Dunnes Stores head office sending a strong message to the employer after staff claimed they had suffered a backlash on return to work after a one-day strike in April.
Commenting on both rallies this week, IMPACT deputy general secretary Kevin Callinan said, “Last week IMPACT members and staff were proud to march in support of decency for Dunnes Stores workers. Now, at Clerys, we have another blatant case of injustice.
“Public sector workers will continue to stand in solidarity with their counterparts in the private sector until they get fair treatment. After decades of loyalty and hard work, the recent treatment of the staff at Clerys is unacceptable. It is shocking that in 2015 companies can treat workers so abysmally while still operating within the law,” he said.
Re-employment sought
The Business and Employment Minister, Ged Nash TD, has written to the new owners of Clerys and requested that they meet the workers. In a letter to UK firm Natrium, the minister said he wants to explore the prospect of re-employment for the 460 workers left jobless by the shock closure.
“This may be some consolation to the staff who have been treated so coldly over the past few days…I would request that you meet with the workers themselves and their trade union representatives. They have many questions and I believe it is the right thing to do,” he added.
An online petition to support Clerys workers is available here.
