Six-daytradingis nowlikelyintown

September 1978

The imminent arrival of Quinnsworth could signal the start of shops being open six days per week in Wexford town.

Wexford is one of the few remaining towns of its size where shops open on five days only, but that could all change soon.

Quinnsworth operate six-day trading and late-night opening on Friday (until 7.30 p.m. or 8 p.m.) at all their existing branches, and will certainly want to do the same in Wexford when they open there next month.

But if they do, they are unlikely to be granted exclusive rights to staying open on six days, as it is highly probably that other shops will follow suit by doing the same.

There is a feeling in Wexford that this might not be a bad thing. Apart from benefitting shoppers, ti could also be a major boost for shopworkers.

Quinnsworth are known to have very good wages and conditions for their employees, and if they get their way in Wexford and are allowed to open six days a week, it could prove to be a lever for Wexford workers to get pay rises.

Talks were being held last week between Quinnsworth and the Wexford branch of the Irish Union of Distributive Workers and Clerks, and the Federated Union of Employees, on the matter.

Further discussions are to be held later this week to try and reach an agreement on the issue.