Trade union Mandate has reacted to the closures of SuperValu stores in Carlow and Clonmel announced earlier today (December 3rd), describing the 98 workers potentially facing redundancy as "devastated".
According to Bill Kelly, the Mandate Divisional Organiser for the Clonmel store, the closures are a result of poor investment and a lack of disposable incomes in the two regions.
He added, "These jobs were comparatively good retail jobs that provided workers with decent work and secure incomes."
"Unfortunately there are very few alternatives at this moment in time, partly because the southeast of Ireland has become an unemployment black spot."
Meanwhile, Divisional Organiser in the Carlow store, Betty Dillon commented that the union has sought an urgent meeting with SuperValu to discuss redundancies, as well as potential redeployment and employment opportunities.
"We will be giving the workers every support possible at this difficult time and we’re calling on the government to step in and provide these workers with any assistance they require," she said.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
