Mr. Donal O Keeffe
Chief Executive Office
Licensed Vintners’ Association
Anglesea House
Anglesea Road
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4
Just a short note to advise you that I have retired as General Secretary of Mandate Trade Union and that Gerry Light (Past President of the Bar Workers’ Union – INUVG&ATA) is my successor with immediate effect. Gerry can be contacted by direct dial 01 8870702 or email glight@mandate.ie
I personally would like to thank you and your members for the courtesy shown to me down through the years and while we may have differed on occasions, I believe we developed a healthy respect for each other’s organisation.
If you would indulge me somewhat I would like to again express some views around the crisis facing the “on trade” and in particular the bars which were unable to re-open and operate as de facto restaurants. From the outset of the COVID crisis Mandate Trade Union is on public record and on record with the LVA regarding the potential of severe long term impacts on the “on trade” and future employment. We have reached out to the LVA our support and willingness to assist in any way possible to highlight not only the plight of the “on trade” but also the requirement for Government supports to protect the trade and jobs. In the absence of our reach out being reciprocated, we have of course lobbied Government, made public comment and as you might be aware made a brief submission to the Dail COVID Committee on the hospitality sector at the link below:
As the COVID numbers remain stubbornly high and indeed are increasing in the greater Dublin area, we believe that the “on trade” sector is in even more peril of further restrictions, including pubs currently trading. We believe that there is an imperative for a coherent and cohesive response from the licensed trade i.e., LVA, owners, unions and workers. This will strengthen our sector’s hand when dealing with policy makers regarding future supports and restrictions. I would not under estimate the effectiveness of the ICTU and in particular Patricia King, General Secretary, when it comes to engaging with Government and policy makers as both the PUP Payments and the TWS schemes were a direct result of her engagement. There can be little doubt that if the Christmas trade window is lost to the sector, substantial assistance and support for owners and workers alike will be required well into 2021 and it is incumbent on us all to do all we can to give bars a fighting chance of survival.
Once again, Mandate Trade Union is reaching out to your organisation to assist in any way possible, together or in a co-ordinated fashion we will have a better chance.
Many of our members employed in the non-trading bars feel left behind and isolated, they deserve our best shot, I would be obliged if you could bring this correspondence to the attention of your Council and reply.
Yours sincerely
For Mandate Trade Union
John Douglas
General Secretary