Women workers have been in the frontline of the struggle for workers’ rights throughout the Pandemic
On Monday March 8th, International Women’s Day, People Before Profit TDs, Bríd Smith, Gino Kenny, Paul Murphy and Richard Boyd Barrett will join Debenhams picket lines at 11.00am.
Bríd Smith TD said:
“On International Women’s Day we need to acknowledge and celebrate the brilliant campaign the Debenhams workers have fought.
“They have led the fight for all workers who were laid off as a result of the pandemic. They have shown the need to change the law to protect workers made redundant with entitlements above statutory redundancy.
“The whole trade union movement, including the leadership of ICTU, must publicly acknowledge what they have achieved in pushing for legislative change.
“We all need to get behind their demand to convert the €3 million training fund into cash for the workers, in compensation for not being paid their 2 plus 2.
“We also need to ensure the fight for new legislation continues so that the government does not fail to act again as it did after the Clerys dispute.”
On International Women’s Day People Before Profit salutes the role that women workers have played, in retail, healthcare, childcare and education, in supporting others in society and treating those affected by Covid 19.
Deputy Smith said:
“Women workers have shown how important they are to society. While we all acknowledged them by clapping, it’s now time to address the real issues facing women workers. We need to end the blight of low pay, provide statutory sick pay and maternity pay and put a state run and funded childcare system in place.”
