HIGGINS APPLAUDS LABOUR YOUTH STANCE ON DISGRACEFUL DUNNES STORES CASE

Issued : Wednesday 8 February, 2006

Labour Party President and Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Michael D Higgins TD, has expressed his support to Labour Youth's campaign against the sacking of Dunnes Stores employee Joanne Delaney for wearing her union pin on her uniform.

Deputy Higgins commented: "I warmly support the stance taken by Labour Youth. The behaviour of Dunnes Stores towards Ms Delaney has been abysmal and to sack her merely for wearing her union pin on her uniform, particularly in view of the fact that there is no reference made to union badges in the company policy, is an outrage.

"The treatment which she has received is disgraceful and it is a matter of urgency that it be highlighted, and that the company be made explain itself and its shameful actions.

"I strongly back the position adopted by Labour Youth and wish Ms Delaney well in the effort to hold the company to account in her shocking case. We cannot allow employers to erode the rights of workers, particularly with regard to such an important issue as the right to organise and to union membership."

For more information about the campaign to support Joanne Delaney please click here

For a copy of the Labour Youth Leaflet click here