At approximately 5am over 80 Gardai began to force entry into the occupied Thomas Cook store on Grafton Street, after physically removing over 30 supporters from in front of the premises.

Since Saturday, over 40 workers have been occupying the store, protesting against job losses and claiming for improved redundancies.

Gardai smashed the glass of the front window of the store in order to gain entry. Workers were removed one by one from the building, including a woman who is eight and a half months pregnant. Cllr Matthew Waine of the Socialist Party and Cllr Richard Boyd Barrett of People Before Profit were occupying the building in support of the workers and have also been arrested.

It is an absolute disgrace that the state have moved to protect the interests of the profiteering multinantional, Thomas Cook by doing their dirty work. These brave workers have taken a stand, not only for their own rights, but also in the interests of the mass of working people in this country who are getting it in the neck from the government and the employers.

A woman worker who is due to give birth imminently was removed from the premises by the Gardai. Shamefully, as she was removed in an ambulance the Gardai refused her request that her husband be present with her. In contrast, Thomas Cook boss, Manny Fontenla-Novoa made a bonus of £7 million last year for his job culling approach – the Irish government have shown clearly yet again they’re shamelessly on the side of the bankers and millionaires

CHECK OUT OTHER RELATED ARTICLES:

1. Support the Thomas Cook workers’ occupation – fighting against greed
2. Joe Higgins Condemns Treatment of Dock Workers
3. Press Release: All workers must support electricians strike
4. Support Ulster Bank workers fight for pay & pensions
5. Support Public Service Workers’ Industrial Action Against Savage Pay Cuts

4 Responses to “Thomas Cook Workers Arrested”