News

Union protests at M&S store

MEMBERS of the union Unite picketed Marks & Spencer in central Belfast yesterday to protest warehouse closures throughout Ireland.

Unite members assembled at the store on Donegall Place as it opened at 1pm.

They distributed information leaflets to passers-by outlining their support for logistics workers at DHL's Hydepark site in Belfast.

Their employment is under threat from Marks & Spencer's plans to close their warehouse operations throughout Ireland.

According to a press statement from Unite, almost 300 workers are concerned about their future after DHL announced potential job losses at its M&S distribution network.

Jobs at DHL's Hydepark site in Belfast, the Westfield site in Glasgow and Enfield are all at risk as the distribution network is re-organised into three mega hubs in England.

Two of the three hubs, in Bradford and Castle Donington, are already up and running and work is slowly being migrated to these sites.

The third hub is due to be set up at the London Gateway port.

Unite national officer Matt Draper said: "I have written to M&S to express Unite's serious concerns over the impact this reorganisation could have.

"There is deep anxiety and uncertainty over jobs and workers are angry that there is no clarity to the proposals being made by M&S.

"While DHL has direct responsibility for the affected workers, M&S has ultimate responsibility and we will not let this company distance itself from this unpalatable situation.

"If M&S refuses to engage, our members are prepared to consider some form of action. Unite members at Hydepark have already indicated that they want an industrial action ballot.

"We urge M&S to agree to our repeated requests for an urgent meeting."