Statement on behalf of Mandate Trade Union, SIPTU and the Bakers Union, representing 2,800 Superquinn Employees
Friday 22 July 2011The three unions representing Superquinn’s 2,800 staff – Mandate Trade Union, SIPTU and the Bakers’ Union – have this afternoon issued the following joint statement in relation to the future ownership of the business.
“The three unions representing Superquinn employees have over the last four years worked with the owners of Superquinn – Select Retail Holdings – in various attempts to change the fortunes of the company and secure a better future for the 2,800 employees.
“Despite our best efforts and the many unselfish and painful sacrifices of terms and conditions of employment by Superquinn employees over this period, it has not been possible to effect a turnaround in the company’s fortunes. This is primarily, we believe, because of the massive bank debts heaped upon Superquinn by the existing owners Select Retail Holdings.
Unfortunately, the situation for the company was made worse by the collapse in the economy and domestic consumer demand.
“These circumstances have led to the company’s bankers appointing a receiver who, in a short period of time, has found and secured a very credible major Irish retailer, Musgrave Group, as a potential future owner. Musgraves have the necessary retail expertise and capital not only to purchase Superquinn but to inject much-needed capital investment into the stores and in so doing they represent the best prospect for the long-term security of employment of the 2,800 Superquinn employees and their families at this most difficult time for them.
“We believe that any continuing confusion or uncertainty surrounding the future ownership of Superquinn at this time will damage the future viability of the company in the eyes of staff, customers, banks and suppliers and may have long term consequences for employment there.
“Therefore, having regard to all the information currently at our disposal, the three unions representing Superquinn employees earnestly believe that the proposed immediate sale by the receiver of Superquinn to the Musgrave Group offers the best possible prospect of saving the 2,800 jobs of Superquinn employees, now and into the future.”
