A 406-day dispute by Debenhams workers has come to a close today.
Members voted by a majority of 319 to 102 to accept the offer of a 3 million euro training fund.
However, former Waterford shop steward, Michelle Gavin says this doesn't mean that they think the offer is adequate - just that they felt they really had no other choice.
She says it's a bitter/sweet day, as those involved in the protest had formed a close group:
"I'm both happy and sad that it's over, because we did form a very tight-knit group and we're going to be going in different directions now, and I suppose that's sad.
"You know, I'm happy that it is finally over because 14 months is a very long time, but I'm also still angry.
"I'm angry that, in a way, I feel the union has let us down, and also Debenhams - so we were let down on three fronts, I feel.
"... In a very funny way [the dispute] probably got us through the worst of the pandemic, we had something else to kind of focus on! Even though, at times, I know we were very worried about ourselves and about our loved ones and all that kind of stuff throughout the pandemic.
"There is happiness as well as we'll all start moving on and start trying to decide what we're going to do."
Michelle also says that they're still not sure what way this 3 million euro training fund will work:
"Well, we haven't got the full details of that. That's going to be done on a one-on-one basis for everybody.
"Solus will contact everybody now that it has been accepted, by letter, as far as I'm aware, and explain to them what's going to happen going forward."
