Polish workers down tools over anti-Catholic abuse

Polish workers downed tools and walked out of a Derry meat plant after they were racially abused by colleagues during the Pope's funeral on Friday last.

The 30 Polish employees at Foyle Meats met with the Derry Trades Council at the weekend. The migrant workers said the abuse had been happening all week but came to a head during the funeral, when they were subjected to catcalls of "Polish bastards" and "f*** the Pope".

According to Sinn Féin's Tommy McGlinchey, even the minute's silence organised in respect for John Paul II was disrupted by unionist workers.

After a meeting on Monday 11 April, management at the Strathroyle plant acknowledged that the incident had taken place and vowed to carry out "a full and thorough" investigation.

In a joint statement issued by Foyle Meats and the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) on Monday night, management said it will review its harassment policy with a view to continuing to promote a harmonious working environment which recognises and respects cultural differences.