The Taoiseach is considering appointing a mediator to the Debenhams dispute.
The company's Irish operation collapsed last April with the loss of around 1,000 jobs - including 90 in Waterford.
Three shop stewards from Waterford, Dublin and Cork and Mandate's General Secretary met virtually with Taoiseach Micheal Martin and his officials this morning in an effort to find a solution to the protracted Debenhams dispute.
The workers have now been on strike for 224 days.
Michelle Gavin from the Waterford store said the meeting was productive:
"It was very constructive...I didn't go into it with too many expectations after what happened the last time when we went to the WRC (workplace relations commission). So I was pleased with his responses and I was pleased he was willing to look further into it, and I was also pleased he was willing to come back and speak to us again. So to me that's a small bit of progress and a small step forward."
Michelle said protests would continue while they await a resolution.
Mandate General Secretary Gerry Light said: “We used the opportunity to once again urge An Taoiseach to use his office to create the circumstances which would bring an end to the current dispute.”
In a briefing to Debenhams members on the outcome of the meeting, Light explained, “He (An Taoiseach) said, notwithstanding current statutory constraints, he and his team were continuing to explore how this might be done and they were in the process of identifying a suitable individual or body who might be able assist the parties in arriving at a mutually acceptable resolution.”
He added, “Importantly the Taoiseach committed to meet again with the union delegation early next week in order to update us further.”
file picture
