Over twenty workers downed tools on Friday following an incident at Foyle Meats during a day which many witnessed the burial of Polish born Pope, John Paul II.

A spokesperson the IRSP in Derry said: "Our party fully supports and endorses steps taken by a number of Polish workers at Foyle Meats. No one, whether they are an Irish worker or a Polish worker should by subjected to any form of racist or sectarian remarks within their place of work. To subject anyone to abuse or harassment on the grounds of their religious beliefs of ethnic origin is totally wrong and we must all oppose wherever it raises its ugly head.

"The IRSP fully supports and endorses the direct action taken, such a walk-out itself by migrant workers was the correct line of defence to take in such sorry circumstances. In their action they have drawn a line to show that this can not and must not be tolerated within any workplace.

"It was unfortunate that such an incident occurred but what we, as republican socialists take comfort in is the fact that other migrant workers who are watching this latest development unfold will indeed be finding confidence and strength from it. They will also find courage in the actions of the workers involved and may even take similar actions where they themselves work.

The spokesperson concluded by stating: "Our class must make a stand against bosses who are cheating them out of a decent living wage, just because they think that they can do such a thing to migrant workers. Likewise we must also make a stand against all racist or sectarian people who happen to work along side us and against similar insults or attacks in the communities in which we live. None of it should be tolerated."

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