Speaking in Leinster House, Sinn Féin Dublin North West TD Dessie Ellis hoped that a more sensible approach will be taken by Tesco, and not the confrontational one which was previously taken, which triggered almost two weeks of protest by workers.
Deputy Ellis said:
“The support shown by the public who by and large didn’t pass the pickets and supported the workers over the strike is encouraging. The resolve of the workers who I meet at Clearwater and Drumcondra is one to be applauded, as is the support given by the public and business community.
“However, I told the Government that they have failed to stand up for the workers’ rights and allowed a profitable company like Tesco to attempt to tear up hard fought agreements and contacts. This inaction by the Government is only facilitating a race to the bottom. Tesco misjudged the resolve of workers and support from the public. I don’t accept that the Government has no opinion on this issue.
“It’s time the Government should stand up for people and say this race to the bottom is wrong and the Government shouldn’t facilitate big multinational companies who are driving down wages and tearing up contacts.”