Dunnes Stores has shut the grocery department of one of its stores in Derry with the loss of 60 jobs.
Union representatives of the 60 workers being laid off at Foyleside claimed they were not consulted about the redundancy programme to be introduced at the end of next month.
It is the second Dunnes store affected by staff losses in Derry in a year, and these latest redundancies brings to almost 700 the number of jobs lost in the north west in less than two months.
Desmonds of Derry, Saville Road of Castledawson, both shirtmakers as well as CV Furnishings on the outskirts of the city which is to close, have all been hit by falling sales.
A year ago, Dunnes closed their shop in Derry's Richmond Centre where it was an anchor tenant. It also has a store in the city's Springtown area.
Mr Gareth Scott, regional industrial organiser for the Transport and General Workers Union in the Foyleside area claimed Dunnes staff were not consulted before the decision was taken to close the grocery section and extend the drapery department.
Mr Scott added: "This was a strategic business decision and we are somewhat concerned what effect it will have for Dunnes other grocery outlets throughout the rest of Northern Ireland."
PA