News in brief 1

Amicus strike action in Drogheda

Amicus placed pickets on Drogheda-based printers, North East Printers, on Tuesday in protest at company plans to issue compulsory redundancy notices to two of the 22-strong workforce.

The Labour Relations Commission has offered conciliation hearings while Amicus spokesperson Claire Keane denied management allegations that Amicus represented less than half the workforce.

Asda creating 250 new jobs in Safeway takeover

Asda has confirmed that it is committed to retaining all 2,000 staff in the 12 Safeway stores it is taking over from Morrison's in the Six Counties and intends to hire an extra 250 workers.

Former Safeway workers, currently represented by USDAW in the Six Counties, will now be jointly represented with the GMB, who organise Asda workers in Britain also playing a role. USDAW representatives will be meeting with Asda tomorrow to discuss any proposed changes in work practices.