On Friday 31 July Thomas Cook managers and security went to close down shops in Dublin at 10 a.m. Staff in two of the outlets then occupied their workplaces in response.
Thomas Cook workers demonstrate against closure in Dublin in July
The workers, some of whom are members of the Transport and Salaried Staff Association (TSSA), have since been served a court ordered to leave the premises but are refusing to budge.
The context to this dispute is a company that seeks to consolidate and increase profits through the closure of more than 100 shops. The closures in Dublin fly in the face of these shops making more than £400 million profit during 2008.
Manny Fontenla-Novoa, CEO of Thomas Cook, recently received a 34% pay rise and a 7 million Euro bonus. This was his reward for boosting profits by making over 2,000 low paid workers redundant across the UK. Now he wants to do the same to his loyal Irish staff.
Supporters of the workers are urged to:
1. Hand write a message and run it through the fax: fax number: 00 35316 771258 and 00 35318 783965
2. Send emails to [email protected] and [email protected]
3. Join the Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=117888623383&ref=mf
4. Sign the online petition http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethomascookjobsinireland
Comments
The workers have called a
The workers have called a protest in support of their occupation for 10.30am tomorrow (Monday 3rd) outside the shop on Grafton Street. A High Court injunction against the occupation comes into effect at 11am.
Gardaí raided the shop at 5
Gardaí raided the shop at 5 this morning and arrested the staff present. A protest has been called for 1 p.m. at the Bridewell Garda Station.
http://www.indymedia.ie/article/93412
Belfast protest at 1pm today
Belfast protest at 1pm today outside Thomas Cook beside City Hall