Company law review a positive step for workers – Labour Youth
The announcement today by Labour Minister for Business and Employment, Ged Nash, that a review will be undertaken into company and employee protection law is welcome news, Labour Youth have said.
This review comes in light of the appalling treatment of the Clerys workers and the seven-month campaign that has ensued since the company was closed.
Speaking after today’s announcement, Grace Williams, National Chairperson of Labour Youth, commented: “The treatment of the Clerys workers has been abhorrent. Natrium has displayed a complete lack of respect for hard-working, loyal employees in the face of financial gain.
“The Clerys’ workers have campaigned consistently for their rights over the last seven months, asking Natrium to meet with workers and for a change in the law to ensure that this can never happen again. It is simply inexcusable that this campaign has continued for so long without engagement from Natrium.
“It is extremely positive news that Minister Ged Nash has announced a review into legislation today in support of the Clerys workers and their campaign. This review is a progressive step in further protecting workers. It is evident that legislation is needed to prevent such circumstances ever occurring again. No workers should be treated in the way in which Natrium deemed acceptable.
“We also commend the sterling work by SIPTU in this campaign. It is very clear how important trade union membership is when the ‘Justice For Clerys’ campaign is seeing such high levels of engagement and support. This campaign has gained such a high profile on the national agenda and without the dedication of SIPTU to this cause, it may not have happened.
“Although this review is welcome progress, we hope to see legislation introduced promptly. We in Labour Youth will continue to support this campaign until we see real justice for the Clerys workers.”