Quotes from Gerard Dwyer, SDA National Secretary
SDA – the union representing workers at Harris Scarfe — is deeply concerned at the news that the firm has been placed in voluntary administration.
It is yet another reminder that private equity companies have no long term interest in retail and the employees in our industry- first Myer, then Dick Smith, now this.
The SDA demands that the administrators – Deloitte Restructuring Services – demonstrate how they plan to live up to their assurances that Harris Scarfe workers will be paid in full as stores continue to trade through the peak Christmas period.
The SDA will be filing a dispute with the Fair Work Commission over the company’s failure to consult with the SDA prior to this announcement. This announcement has come without warning and employees are shocked and will be very concerned as they head into Christmas.
Just as importantly, SDA is seeking urgent consultations with the receivers to guarantee that there are in fact sufficient funds (as Deloittes have stated) to meet the legal entitlements of all employees.
Harris Scarfe has been in the hands of private equity firm, Allegro Funds, for less than a month. What has happened in that very short time is a reminder that such outfits are simply interested in ripping what they can out of the company they have bought rather than having any intention of ensuring the business becomes a going concern.
Contact: Jim Middleton 0418 627 066