The three unions representing Superquinn's 2,800 staff have appealed for the proposed sale to the Musgrave group to go through immediately.
John Douglas of Mandate Trade Union said the future of Superquinn and its employees depended on a quick resolution.
"Members are worrying about their own future…they have bills to pay, kids to send to school...We really fear this is going to get bogged down in a very lengthy legal process which Superquinn won't survive," he said.