Mandate Trade Union seeks urgent meeting with Homebase examiner

Tuesday 16 July 2013

Mandate Trade Union has written to Homebase Ireland examiner, Kieran Wallace of KPMG, seeking an urgent meeting after it was announced today (Tuesday, 16 July 2013) that the company has entered examinership.

Mandate, which represents workers in the majority of stores throughout Ireland, say the news is a devastating blow for all Homebase staff.

John Douglas, Mandate General Secretary said, “Our members are shocked and extremely concerned about the examinership announcement.

“Many of them want to know what impact this announcement will have on their existing terms and conditions so Mandate has sought an urgent meeting with the Examiner. We will ensure our members are kept up to date as developments occur.”

He added, “While the company has blamed high rents and upward only rent reviews for the difficult position they are now in, there’s no doubt that the collapse in domestic demand as a result of austerity measures is also to blame.

“Unfortunately the failure of government to invest in jobs will probably mean we will see more situations like this in the retail sector over the coming months and years.

Mr Douglas concluded by saying, “Mandate will strive to save as many jobs as possible in Homebase for our members and we will also vigorously defend and protect their terms and conditions during the examinership process.”