Aontú call on Debenhams to pay up now

Aontú stands in solidarity with the employees of Debenhams in Ireland who are fighting for better treatment as Debenhams have placed their Irish operations into liquidation. With 11 stores and 940 employees in Ireland, this announcement has added additional hardship to their employees amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD stated;

“This is particularly galling for employees given the success of the Irish operations. Employees have claimed that the Irish operations are being sacrificed to bail out their failing British branches. The decision was done without consultation with employees or unions, and with little regards for employees who have worked loyally and faithfully for Debenhams for years. Aontú calls on the government to intervene and compel Debenhams to negotiate with employees and unions – rather than allowing them to take advantage of the pandemic payments and state statutory redundancy”.

“The insolvency of Debenhams will cost the jobs and livelihoods of over 2,000 Irish people either directly or indirectly employed by Debenhams. Serious negotiations must be held between Debenhams and employees and their trade unions to save jobs. If Debenhams are unable to save these jobs, then they must be compelled to meet their financial obligations to employees and deliver the most amenable and equitable financial package to their employees that they may deliver”.

Employees should not be subjected to such cynical exercises when their concerns are focused on their health and those of their families. Aontú expresses solidarity with Debenhams workers and calls on Debenhams to pay up now!

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.