Dairygold Board members should lend their support to 4home workers in Fermoy and Mitchelstown by endorsing an improved redundancy package according to Cork East Labour TD Seán Sherlock

Deputy Sherlock said Board members have a duty of care toward 4home employees who laboured under the Dairygold brand up until just three years ago when Reox holdings took over management of the 4home stores.

"The bottom line is that the majority of these workers put in most of their service under the Dairygold brand. However, they are not benefiting from the same severance package as other Dairygold workers who were recently made redundant yet all have paid into the same Dairygold pension scheme.

"It seems to me that Dairygold management and members are hiding behind these spin-off companies in a bid to avoid meeting their obligations to workers. They are giving the impression that all their spin off companies which include Reox Holdings are separate entities which is simply not the case.

"It is my understanding that seven of the 4home stores will revert to the Dairygold brand once the liquidation process is complete. Having spoken with employees I know that there are some who would be delighted to retain their jobs and are even prepared to travel if needs be.

"Dairygold Board members cannot wash their hands of this matter and I am calling on them to row in behind workers who just want a fair deal."