Debenhams workers ruling
Deputy Boyd Barrett raised a WRC ruling in favour of former Debenhams workers and pressed for action on their treatment by Debenhams and KPMG. Harris said he would follow up with the Taoiseach, reflect on the ruling, and update the Deputy on the legislation timetable.
Yesterday, the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, found in favour of Ms Jane Crowe, former Debenhams worker and shop steward in Henry Street and, by extension, hundreds of other Debenhams workers who were cruelly treated and let down by their employer, Debenhams, and KPMG, the liquidators. The ruling found that the liquidators did not consult the workers properly and did not give them the information they sought.
They met the Taoiseach in the corridor when we were screening the new documentary film about their dispute that is going into the cinemas, "406 Days", which shows how a consortium of banks and vulture funds asset-stripped the company and walked away with hundreds of millions of euro while the workers were left with nothing. When they met the Taoiseach in the corridor, they asked him when legislation will come forward to ensure what happened to Debenhams workers, and Clerys workers, never happens again? The Taoiseach said he would engage directly with the Debenhams workers about the framing of that legislation and consult them. Can the Minister confirm that will happen, and when?
Comment on this
I note the significance of the WRC finding. I will certainly follow up with the Taoiseach in relation to the conversation the Deputy is relaying he had with Debenhams workers. I know from one of my briefs about the difficult time they have been going through. We have been trying to provide opportunities for skills, education and other job opportunities. We will reflect on the WRC position and I will get the Deputy an update on when the legislation is due.