Mayo TD seeks urgent supports following Fastway receivership

THE Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh, has expressed deep concern for affected workers following the announcement that the parent company of Fastway Couriers Ireland has entered receivership.

She has urged the government to ensure full support for all workers, customers and subcontractors impacted.

Said Deputy Conway-Walsh: “The news that Fastway Couriers has gone into receivership will come as a major shock to staff and their families, particularly as we head into the Christmas period. This is not a time anyone should be facing the prospect of unemployment, especially those trying to support children and families.

“Serious questions need to be asked as to how Fastway has been run in recent years, having faced down complaints from customers regarding poor service. While management clearly failed to address these problems, it is the 300 plus workers on the ground who now face the consequences. Their livelihoods must be the priority.”

She continued: “The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment must ensure that all necessary employment supports are made available to affected staff and must liaise with the Department of Social Protection and Intreo to help workers secure alternative employment as quickly as possible.

“It’s also vital that arrangements are made to ensure all of the estimated 50,000 parcels currently held by Fastway are delivered to awaiting customers. People have paid for goods and services in good faith and must not be left out of pocket.

“This announcement will have major knock-on effects for subcontractors and other road haulage companies in Ireland, who may not be able to recoup what is owed to them from Fastway through the receivership process, and will have no other choice but to close themselves. The government must intervene to prevent this from spiralling.”

Deputy Conway-Walsh added: “This episode yet again highlights the urgent need to strengthen collective bargaining rights in Ireland. Sinn Féin fully supports the EU Directive on improving collective bargaining and will continue to press for its full and fair implementation.

“Workers must have a real voice in their workplaces and in the decisions that affect their futures.”