SIPTU Remains Cautious Of Clerys Stores Takeover

SIPTU has expressed cautious optimism that the takeover of Clerys Stores by the US private equity group, Gordon Brothers, will provide job security for workers employed in the company's landmark store on O'Connell Street in Dublin.

SIPTU Organiser, Graham Macken, said: "Following a meeting with the new owners we are cautiously optimistic that they will be able to provide certainty to workers in relation to their jobs at the companys main department store on O'Connell Street in Dublin. The new owners are currently conducting a full business review of the company and SIPTU will continue to meet with them to discuss issues relating to our members' employment during this process."

He added: "SIPTU is concerned by the new owners’ decision not to take on the liabilities of the company’s existing pension scheme. While they have indicated that an alternative scheme will be provided, SIPTU is seeking further discussions on this issue.

"Although the new owners are venture capitalists they do have direct experience in the retail business which will be beneficial in securing the future of the O’Connell Street store."

However, Graham Macken said that the previous owners' of Clerys had failed in their "moral obligation" to workers in the three stores which are scheduled to close following the take over.

"Statutory redundancy has been paid to the 15 workers made redundant last month by the closure of the Clerys home furnishing store in Blanchardstown, Dublin, and a Labour Court hearing is scheduled to decide upon their outstanding ex gratia payments.

"However, due to the company having been placed into liquidation by its pervious owners, the 29 employees in the other three stores now facing closure, which are located in Naas, Co. Kildare, Leopardstown, Co. Dublin and Talbot Street in Dublin, will have to rely on redundancy payments being made through the State's Social Insurance Fund. Processing these payments will take a number of months."

(CD)