The workers united will never be defeated. Clerys, five years on.
Most people in Ireland are aware of the circumstances surrounding the closure of Clerys in June 2015 after over 160 years of operation. Five years on, this is a small collection of moments and memories that tell the story of the Justice for Clerys Workers campaign and how justice was won.
Clerys Lockout: A notice telling customers that the iconic Dublin store Clerys is closed.
“After 43 years, I didn’t think it would end like this.” — SIPTU Sector Organiser, Teresa Hannick with SIPTU Shop Steward and Clerys worker John Finn on RTE Nine o’clock news on the night of the closure.
The next morning, the Clerys workers met in Liberty Hall to discuss what action can be taken following the stores sudden liquidation.
Tears for Clerys: Former worker Shirley Brown found out her job was gone over the radio.
“ This treatment of honest hard working people marks a despicable new low in the annals of Irish business practice.”
Clerys workers marching from Liberty Hall to the Clerys store to protest the day after the closure.
Not going away: John Finn, a former Clerys worker with 43 years service speaks to the media following a meeting with KPMG, the liquidators of Clerys.
Former Clerys employees outside the iconic store on Dublins O’Connell Street
Signing up for justice: Tens of thousands of people signed petitions on the streets of Dublin in support of Justice for Clerys Workers.
Locked out after 11 years: For months, the Clerys workers of all ages gathered outside the store to win public support for the campaign
Gerry Markey who worked with Clerys for over 30yrs walks towards the door of the offices of new owners D2 Private/Natrium ( Natrium, the consortium had bought Clerys) to hand in a letter to Deirdre Foley. Also in the picture is fellow Clerys workers Alan O’Brien and Susie Gaynor McGowan.
Former Clerys worker Pauline Konopka leading a protest to highlight their demand for a meeting with the store’s new owners
Christy Moore performs at the Clerys solidarity concert in Liberty Hall. Watch the video 👆
Former Clerys workers calling on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton to change the law. The workers protested outside the Department for 11 consecutive weeks.
Santa reads out his naughty and nice’ list outside Clerys.
ICTU General Secretary Patricia King joins the Clerys workers demanding a change in the law outside the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation
Workers United: Lambstongue, a contractor specialising in the conservation and restoration of historic windows, refused to get involved with the refurbishment of the Clerys building unless the owner, Natrium, meets the workers
One year on. It’s time for Justice for the Clerys Workers. Watch the video 👆
Time for Justice: Clerys workers light up the iconic building demanding justice on the first anniversary of the closure of the store.
In November 2016, Susie Gaynor-McGowan and John Finn take part in the Clerys protest on North Earl Street: Part of Clerys reopened for the Christmas period as a bag dropping service.
Clerys Workers outside An Bord Pleanála in Dublin before a full public hearing into the Clerys Development
SIPTU Services Division Organiser, Ethel Buckley, Rory Murphy, Natrium Director, Deirdre Foley, Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr and Gerry Markey announcing the Clerys settlement at special press conference in the Mansion House.
Ethel Buckley, Teresa Hannick present Urban Planner Josephine Henry with a special award for her contribution to the Justice for Clerys Workers campaign.
Clerys workers, Gerry Markey, John Finn, John Crowe and Susie Gaynor McGowan presenting SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Ethel Buckley with a special award on behalf of the Justice for Clerys Workers campaign
From worker to activist: Susie Gaynor McGowan receiving her SIPTU College Trade Union Studies Certificate from General Secretary, at the time, Joe O’Flynn. Susie was part of the group that piloted the Advanced Activist programme and is now off to Maynooth University.
Clerys workers reunited: Alan O’Brien, John Finn, Gerry Markey and John Crowe at John’s retirement party
