The Workers’ Party have said it is an indictment of Ireland’s labour legislation that LloydsPharmacy workers have to go out on strike for sick pay and a basic hourly contract.
Speaking before visiting striking workers in the company’s Stoneybatter chemist, Cllr. Ryan said:
“Most people’s reaction to the core demands of LloydsPharmacy workers, is astonishment that such basic conditions as minimum guaranteed hours and are not required by law. In 2018, it is inexcusable that any company would fail to provide these things.
“In a city where the cost of renting is increasing by 10% every single year, workers are being told from week to week whether or not they have work. This is outrageous.”
Cllr Ryan continued:
“The ultimate global owners of LloydsPharmacy, McKesson Corporation, had revenues of $198.5 billion in 2017, making it the 5th highest revenue generating company in the United States, where it is headquartered. Its CEO was found in 2013 to have the largest pension fund on record in any publicly listed company at a staggering $159 million.
“Let’s make no mistake about it – these global billionaires are getting rich off the backs of workers. And in Ireland, these mega-companies’ power is doubled in Ireland, because of pro-business, anti-worker legislation like the 1990 Industrial Relations Act.”
Cllr. Ryan concluded:
“A 92% mandate for strike action is an incredible show of strength by the workers, and should give LloydsPharmacy a clear indication that workers and trade unions like are in this struggle for the long haul.
“But for trade unions to be able to really hold big business to account, we need radical overhaul of the 1990 Industrial Relations Act, to remove the advantage given to multi-billion dollar Goliaths under Irish law.”