Fears over 470 jobs at food suppliers
Up to 470 jobs are at risk following a row over running costs between a frozen food supplier and Dunnes Stores, it has emerged.
SIPTU officials fear that workers may now be displaced at Whelans Frozen Foods, in Park West Industrial Estate.
Concerns are being raised after Dunnes Stores told the High Court last Friday that it wanted to sever its ties with the company after a disagreement over operating costs.
“If Whelan’s cannot be as competitive as Dunnes Stores want them to be – then Dunnes may switch to another supplier who may attempt to slash wages and conditions“, said SIPTU’s Food Branch Assistant Organiser, Brendan Carr.
“There are 470 jobs at risk if Dunnes Stores and Whelan’s cannot resolve their differences.”
Whelan’s chief executive, Paddy Whelan last week alleged – in a sworn affidavit – that Dunnes Stores managing director threatened to halve their business unless they – Whelan’s – slashed their operating costs.
Mr Carr continued: “We have a collective agreement with Whelan’s on behalf of our members and we were about to enter talks on a new pay deal as well as improvements in conditions of employment, when Whelan’s informed us of a threat to their future.
“If an established employer like Whelan’s goes out of business because they cannot compete against cheap labour costs then we will all end up basing our future on the exploitation of vulnerable workers.
“But as far as we are concerned, there is a threshold of decency below which we will not go and we will insist that – in the event of Dunnes Stores changing supplier – transfer of engagement rules are followed and furthermore the planned negotiations on improved pay and conditions of employment, continue with the new owner,” he concluded.
