PEOPLE Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin has said that Foyleside store workers deserve a real holiday this Christmas.
Said Cllr Harkin: “We have been contacted by workers from Foyleside stores who have been told they will now be required to work on Boxing Day.
“Workers at the vast majority of Foyleside stores were informed weeks ago Boxing Day would be a holiday.
“It’s very understandable workers are frustrated by this U-turn by management.
“They have made holiday plans with family and friends. It’s completely unfair for them to be told this now.
“The only reason for big companies to do this is greed.
“Big profitable retailers should be leading by example on this but they’re doing the opposite and putting pressure to trade on everyone.
“You can guarantee wealthy owners and shareholders will not be working on Boxing Day.
“All workers should be able to enjoy a real holiday over Christmas. If you’re getting up for work at 5 or 6am on Boxing Day you’re not able to relax on Christmas Day.
“It’s not a holiday; it’s simply a recovery day.
“Surveys of retail workers show frustration at the lack of quality holiday time over Christmas following long hours in the lead-in.
“Derry and Strabane Council backed a People Before Profit motion calling on employers to make sure all retail workers get a proper holiday over the festive period. This included staying closed on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
“We are supporting Foyleside workers in the demand for retailers to reverse the decision to open on Boxing Day.
“All retail workers across the City and District should get Boxing Day and New Year’s Day off – without loss of pay if they were scheduled to work.
“Workers deserve a new deal that’s centred on respect, better pay and better treatment.
“It’s time for that to start now.”
Tags: