Ógra Shinn Féin Waterford stands in solidarity with Mr. Binman workers

Today, a large crowd, including activists from Ógra Shinn Féin's WIT cumann marched through Waterford City in solidarity with the workers of Mr. Binman. The employees have been asked to work more hours, for less pay. The working week has been increased from 39 hours to 45 hours, and the employees are being asked to take pay-cuts ranging between 10% - 49%.

Not only have the employees been asked to make an impossible sacrifice in cuts, but the owner of Mr. Binman - Martin Sheahan, has refused to talk with trade union officials. The workers are currently into their 8th week on strike, and still have no means for which to reach a compromise.

Mr. Sheahan had stated recently in the Irish Farmer's Journal in relation to his decision to hire non-nationals over Irish workers, “The Paddy is the best man in the world when he goes abroad to work but he’s a different man at home”, adding that he had, “hired non-nationals to keep manners on the Paddies”

Speaking on behalf of WIT's Ógra Shinn Féin cumann, Seán Ó Briain stated:

"The level of blatant racism and disrespect towards his employees from Mr. Sheahan is absolutely unacceptable. Not only that, but his refusal to recognise any element within the trade union movement must be challenged at every level. Mr. Sheahan's exploitation of the current economic crisis, asking his workers to accept unacceptable paycuts with little to no chance of employment elsewhere, is deeply disturbing. Once again, the working class has been asked to accept the burden, while the wonderfully wealthy Mr. Sheahan continues a life of luxury."

"I call on the wider Irish public to support the workers of Mr. Binman in their struggle for fair pay for a fair day's work."