Former Debenhams workers say they have occupied the shop in Waterford City this morning.
The ex-staff say they're engaging in a sit-in as part of efforts to get a better redundancy deal after the retailer shut its Irish operations.
Five former workers are now in the canteen area of the store at City Square Shopping Centre.
They're calling for talks between KPMG & Debenhams and the shop stewards and their representatives, Mandate Trade Union, to discuss how online business could be used for their agreed redundancy package for the ex-Debenhams workers.
Shop Steward, Michelle Gavin, an ex-Debenhams worker of 27 years and occupying the store says;
"KPMG has launched an attack on stores this week to try and grab stock so we're fighting back. This occupation is a peaceful protest but a necessary escalation to make sure we are not left with nothing. We have been left high and dry without the redundancy packaged that had been promised before. We want KPMG to come back to the table for negotiations including shop stewards from the 11 stores to bring a positive end to the struggle the ex-Debenhams workers have faced for 172 days."
Debenhams workers step up their protest in Waterford today #WLRNews pic.twitter.com/eLPFDBjjHd
— WLR (@wlrfm) September 28, 2020
Margaret Sinnot, another ex-Debenhams worker from the store who has worked there 15 years said "We have been fighting too long and hard to let KPMG come in and try to walk all over us. The strike has been ongoing for 172 days now, the picket is still strong and we are as determined as ever."
The ex-Debenhams workers have said they have no plans to move until they see movement from KPMG back to the table with the workers' representatives for negotiations again.
