Mr. John King:

Unfortunately, the statistics I cited, particularly those on the number of part-time workers, are fairly typical. This exacerbates the problem. If the position is bad in the unionised sector where we have uncovered some of the problems I have cited, one can only imagine what is occurring in the non-unionised sector.

In respect of the employer in question, unfortunately, SIPTU will announce the result of a nationwide ballot of our members this Friday. Our members had to address the very serious question of whether they are prepared to engage in a form of industrial action simply to get a renowned and profitable indigenous retailer to come to the negotiating table and discuss the relevant issues with representatives of the trade unions. We simply want the company in question to make its case before the Labour Court but it is refusing all of these legitimate and responsible-----