Bishop adds voice to dispute

A LEADING Catholic bishop said yesterday that Greencore’s refusal to abide by a Labour Court ruling on redundancy payments to its former workers at Irish Sugar in Mallow cannot be morally justified.

Bishop John Magee of Cloyne called on the company to pay the redundancy to its former employees according to an agreement it entered into in 2004.

Bishop Magee, in a statement issued from the Cloyne Diocesan Office in Cobh, said he had recently met with a delegation of former workers from the Irish Sugar factory in Mallow, and had fully understood the facts of the case.

“As we approach Christmas, 145 families find their futures in jeopardy due to the intransigence of this company in refusing to abide by the Labour Court ruling. This situation cannot be morally justified,” he said.

Greencore has repeatedly insisted the redundancy payments are full and fair, consistent with the Labour Court recommendation and in compliance with a company-union agreement.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture Martin Ferris said the fact that Greencore has posted such colossal profits, having exited the sugar industry, reinforces the need for the company to honour its original commitment to a proper redundancy package for its former employees.

“The company has refused to comply with a Labour Court order and is arrogantly flaunting its massive profits and move into property development, while former workers are being short changed.” he said.