IRISH-OWNED books and stationery retailer Eason Son is to hold talks at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) next week as it seeks to implement cost saving measures that would save the company some €8 million annually.
Sources close to Eason yesterday denied reports that it was planning to close a number of stores to achieve the savings but acknowledged that redundancies, both voluntary and compulsory, and changes to wages, holiday and sick pay structures were up for discussion.
Eason said, in a statement, that measures were required to address an “uncompetitive cost base” and to secure its future. “Whilst a range of alternative measures have been discussed, it is hoped that the meetings at the LRC will allow an agreement to be reached on the best way to achieve these savings,” Eason said.
Siptu, which represents some staff at the company, said it needed to engage in talks with Eason before making a comment.
Calls to Mandate trade union, which also represents Eason’s staff, were not returned.
Eason employs some 1,200 people in Ireland and operates more than 50 stores.
