Treatment of Portarlington Fastway employees is 'a scandal' says Laois TD
Dozens without jobs in Portarlington as Fastway goes into receivership
Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley as expressed his full support for the Fastway workers and contractors following the collapse of the company this week.
The Independent TD has said that 'the manner' that the receivership has been handled is 'a scandal'.
Pictured: Fastway warehouse yard in Portarlington. Photo: Maps
The Leinster Express / Laois Live previously reported that workers were 'escorted off forklifts', 'left with no wages' and unable to sign on to social welfare, at risk of losing their redundancy package.
"Workers have been left in limbo with no wages, because they are still technically employed by the company. They are now in a situation where they cannot draw Job Seekers Allowance," he said.
"The contractors who are doing a service for the company and doing deliveries have been left in an even more difficult situation, as some of them who have purchased vans are now left with no income, and no way to pay for their vehicles," Deputy Stanley highlighted.
"I am calling for the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke to intervene immediately to ensure that this matter is dealt with, and for his Senior Officials to engage with the company and receiver involved, to ensure that the contractors are looked after by the assets of the company that may be there," he said.
The Deputy is also calling on Minister Burke to ensure that the workers receive their proper redundancy 'immediately'.
"The Department of Social Protection needs to engage with workers, and I am calling on the Minister for Social Protection, Darragh Calleary to ensure that where workers may not be able to get Jobseekers Allowance, that they can be granted an Exceptional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Scheme.
"I am calling for this to be granted for workers with no wages in the coming weeks, and that the Minister ensures that they receive a weekly payment," Deputy Stanley said.
The Portlaoise based TD has engaged with both Departments and intends to 'follow up on this issue in the time ahead' to ensure that 'we try to do the best we can' for the workers and contractors.
Fastway employees have recently told the Leinster Express / Laois Live that several contractors have parcels in their vans, and are unable to give them back to the Midlands Fastway hub in Portarlington.
"The Department of Trade and Employment also need to ensure that deliveries are been carried out where goods are held in stores for deliveries throughout County Laois and the Midlands, and that those goods are released to competent delivery companies," Deputy Stanley finished.