Superquinn staff seek assurances on firm's future

Superquinn staff are seeking assurances from the company's new management team over future plans for the company following an…

Superquinn staff are seeking assurances from the company's new management team over future plans for the company following an announcement earlier this week that it has been acquired by a group of investors for €450 million.

Mr John Douglas, general secretary designate of Mandate, the union representing the majority of Superquinn staff, said the union would now engage with management to get these assurances and to secure a "structured and ongoing involvemennt in the company's development".

He was speaking after a meeting of staff representatives from all of Superquinn's stores held earlier today.

"The company's new management have indicated that they would like to see Superquinn expand in the retail sector while also entering the property market. The staff are unsure as to exactly what is intended and what the long-term implications of the new company direction will be for them," he said.

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"In order to address these issues, Mandate will be seeking access to Superquinn's new business plan so that we, and our advisors, can assess where the company is going and advise our members accordingly.

"However, we are not just seeking such access on a once-off basis - we want to discuss with Superquinn's new management team how the company's staff can have a structured role in the development of the company going forward," Mr Douglas said.

He said the union will be seeking recognition for the staff's contribution to the development of the company over the years.

It had been expected that Superquinn's 4,500 staff would demand a share of the sum being paid for the group.

"One of the key selling points for Superquinn has always been the quality of service provided to customers by the staff. Given this reality, we believe that staff's contribution to the company's success and its brand should be recognised in a tangible way in the form of a goodwill payment."