Trade unions back new 'Love Sligo' loyalty card
Phelim O'Neill, Spokesperson Sligo Fair Dealers and Hugh McConville unveil the 'Love Sligo Campaign'. Credit: Photo Carl Brennan
A new loyalty card scheme has been launched for Sligo's trade union members with the aim of protecting jobs. Each Union member will be issued with the new "Love Sligo" loyalty card with the idea being to encourage those union members living and working in Sligo town and county to keep their business and shopping local in a bid to boost the local economy and to protect local jobs.
All of Sligo's businesses are being encouraged to get involved in this scheme by offering discounts to the "Love Sligo" loyalty card holders.
Each loyalty card holder will also be issued with a small directory which will detail the participating businesses describing the many different discounts and offers available in the Sligo area for card holders.
The ' Love Sligo' card will be delivered directly to every member of SIPTU, MANDATE, IMPACT, UCATT, TEEU, TUI, NUJ and every Student studying in Sligo's third level institutions.
"This initiative shows that trade unions are willing to work together with any positive group for the good of Sligo and this joint initiative sends out a very strong message that Sligo can be innovative and adapt to new circumstances," said Hugh MacConville, chairman of Sligo Council of Trade Unions. He praised the Fair Dealers for working with the trade unions on this issue.
"It is a time for all trade union members to support jobs in Sligo and shop local," he said.
"Retail and services are the biggest employer in Sligo and the trade unions are very concerned that if any more outlets close, it may affect Sligo's position as a regional retailing centre," he added.
"The retail outlets and companies offering services through this loyalty card scheme will also agree to have fair employment practices and pay the proper wages. For business to survive, ordinary working people must have money in their pockets and this is a lesson that the
Government could learn, that by driving down wages they are forcing more and more shops and small businesses to close," he said.
Commenting on the initiative, founder of the Fair Dealer campaign Mr. Phelim O'Neill said the idea of a Sligo Loyalty Card is a very positive step towards regenerating our local economy.
"Studies suggest that for every €1 spent in the local economy a further €8 is generated, this multiplier effect is vital if we are going to protect investment in crucial local services and ensure continued employment in the Sligo area.
"I am hopeful that traders and service providers alike will take this opportunity to become involved in both the Fair Dealer initiative and the " Love Sligo" loyalty scheme which will continue to encourage many thousands of those employed and living in the Sligo area to keep their money in their local communities," said Mr. O'Neill.
