9 December 2020
Dear Member
Further to our communication to members of the 1st December 2020, Mandate scheduled a meeting with a representative group of Arcadia Shop Stewards from across Mandate’s Divisions. The group of representatives discussed the developments since the 27th November 2020 and the concerns emerging from our members as a result of the High Court appointment of provisional liquidators Ken Fennell and James Anderson of Deloitte.
It is hoped that a buyer can be found for the business in order to protect the jobs in the Arcadia Group. It is also the case that the recommendations of the Duffy/Cahill Report, which you can read here Duffy Cahill Report have never been implemented by the Irish Government following the closure of Clerys.
In order to raise awareness about our Arcadia members’ concerns it was discussed that a delegation of both Mandate officials and members will meet at government buildings on the 22nd December 2020, albeit socially distancing and hand deliver a letter requesting to meet with the Taoiseach to discuss the situation in Arcadia, as well as the implementation of effective legislation that would protect workers in these situations. We are seeking the names of those members who can attend, by Wednesday 16th December 2020. Names should be forwarded to lfoy@mandate.ie.
Mandate can confirm that the representative group of Shop Stewards along with Mandate Officials are due to meet with Ken Fennell from Deloitte tomorrow at 3pm via Zoom to discuss the concerns of the members and seek clarification regarding same. We will keep you updated regarding any developments.
Yours fraternally
The Arcadia National Strategy Team