Labour Behind The Label

 To our knowledge none of the buyers agreed to attend the meeting, despite this being the main (and most simple) demand of the campaign supporters. Most brands simply never responded, one responded negatively, others just had better things to do that day.

Luckily for them the focus shifted from pushing for a buyers meeting when DESA suddenly agreed to meet with the union to discuss their demands. The first meeting took place on Friday 19th December and according to those present was useful and constructive. However no agreement could be reached on the reinstatement of the sacked workers and it was agreed to continue the meeting the following Monday.

On Monday 22nd December Deri Is representatives again met with DESA management, but this time the meeting was less successful. Not only was no agreement reached regarding reinstatement, but the atmosphere became less constructive and DESA backtracked on some of the other points discussed on the 19th.. DESA was asked to provide written documents clarifying their position on all of the Deri Is demands. Until now no such document has been provided.

Since the 22nd December several other meetings took place, the last on the 13th January. No progress was made and no written notes or documents produced. We are concerned that DESA is now using these meetings to stall the campaign, as it is unclear why they continue to refuse to provide any written documents. It is important to show DESA that meeting for meetings sake will not bring a resolution and to urge them to resume a positive approach aimed at reaching a resolution.