02/04/2015
Dunnes Stores Workers Stage One-Day Strike
Thousands of staff employed by Dunnes Stores are staging a one-day picket across Ireland.
The retailer currently employs almost 10,000 workers in Ireland, and more than 6,000 of those are members of the Mandate trade union who are taking part in the industrial action.
The action has been taken by the workers in a dispute over secure working hours and earnings, job security, fair pay and the right to trade union representation.
It is understood today's strike will affect 109 stores.
Gerry Light, Mandate Assistant General Secretary, commented: "Dunnes have left their workers with no other option other than industrial action following their refusal to meet to discuss all of the issues in dispute.
"The Company have also refused to accept a Labour Court Recommendation which clearly states they have an obligation to sit down with their workers' chosen representatives."
Meanwhile, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has urged its members to respect the picket. In a statement, Congress General Secretary Patricia King, said: "This dispute is about decency at work and people's ability to earn a fair wage.
"It is not acceptable in 21st Century Ireland that any employer should effectively own the lives of workers by failing to provide security about working hours and certainty over their income.
"Many Dunnes' workers operate on minimum 15 hour contracts and have no idea what they might earn from week to week, or even how long they might be at work. That damages their capacity to earn a decent living and intrudes on every aspect of family life. It is simply wrong."
According to RTÉ, management at Dunnes Stores have not issued any formal comment, but in a recent letter to staff they warned that the strike could harm the company and lead to redundancies.
(JP/MH)
The retailer currently employs almost 10,000 workers in Ireland, and more than 6,000 of those are members of the Mandate trade union who are taking part in the industrial action.
The action has been taken by the workers in a dispute over secure working hours and earnings, job security, fair pay and the right to trade union representation.
It is understood today's strike will affect 109 stores.
Gerry Light, Mandate Assistant General Secretary, commented: "Dunnes have left their workers with no other option other than industrial action following their refusal to meet to discuss all of the issues in dispute.
"The Company have also refused to accept a Labour Court Recommendation which clearly states they have an obligation to sit down with their workers' chosen representatives."
Meanwhile, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has urged its members to respect the picket. In a statement, Congress General Secretary Patricia King, said: "This dispute is about decency at work and people's ability to earn a fair wage.
"It is not acceptable in 21st Century Ireland that any employer should effectively own the lives of workers by failing to provide security about working hours and certainty over their income.
"Many Dunnes' workers operate on minimum 15 hour contracts and have no idea what they might earn from week to week, or even how long they might be at work. That damages their capacity to earn a decent living and intrudes on every aspect of family life. It is simply wrong."
According to RTÉ, management at Dunnes Stores have not issued any formal comment, but in a recent letter to staff they warned that the strike could harm the company and lead to redundancies.
(JP/MH)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 April 2015
Mandate 'Disputes Committee' Meeting To Be Held Today
Trade union Mandate, which represents workers at supermarket chain Dunnes Stores, is to hold a special 'disputes committee' meeting in Dublin today. It is understood the meeting will be attended by shop stewards from across Ireland and will hold a vote on further proposed industrial action, in a dispute over pay, conditions and working hours.
Mandate 'Disputes Committee' Meeting To Be Held Today
Trade union Mandate, which represents workers at supermarket chain Dunnes Stores, is to hold a special 'disputes committee' meeting in Dublin today. It is understood the meeting will be attended by shop stewards from across Ireland and will hold a vote on further proposed industrial action, in a dispute over pay, conditions and working hours.
11 March 2015
5,000 Dunnes Stores Workers To Stage One-Day Strike Action
Up to 5,000 staff working for retail chain Dunnes Stores are to hold a one-day strike on Thursday 02 April. The staff employed across the chains 107 stores, represented by the Mandate trade union, will not take strike action if the management agrees to a meeting.
5,000 Dunnes Stores Workers To Stage One-Day Strike Action
Up to 5,000 staff working for retail chain Dunnes Stores are to hold a one-day strike on Thursday 02 April. The staff employed across the chains 107 stores, represented by the Mandate trade union, will not take strike action if the management agrees to a meeting.
05 June 2015
Dunnes Stores' Workers To Hold National Protest
Dunnes Stores' workers are to hold a national protest tomorrow, Saturday 6 June. All SIPTU members are being called to join their colleagues and Mandate members in the demonstration. It is in support of decent work hours and a living wage and will begin at Merrion Square at 1pm and conclude with a rally outside Dunnes Stores' head office.
Dunnes Stores' Workers To Hold National Protest
Dunnes Stores' workers are to hold a national protest tomorrow, Saturday 6 June. All SIPTU members are being called to join their colleagues and Mandate members in the demonstration. It is in support of decent work hours and a living wage and will begin at Merrion Square at 1pm and conclude with a rally outside Dunnes Stores' head office.
09 April 2015
SF Hits Out At The Govt For Failing To Protect Dunnes Stores Workers
Dunnes Stores workers are being dismissed from their positions after taking part in strike action last week. Sinn Féin Workers Rights Spokesperson Senator David Cullinane has hit out at the announcement and confirmed other workers were receiving cuts and changes to hours.
SF Hits Out At The Govt For Failing To Protect Dunnes Stores Workers
Dunnes Stores workers are being dismissed from their positions after taking part in strike action last week. Sinn Féin Workers Rights Spokesperson Senator David Cullinane has hit out at the announcement and confirmed other workers were receiving cuts and changes to hours.
17 July 2008
Dunne Could Run In European Elections
Irish entrepreneur Ben Dunne has said he could run as an independent candidate in next years European Parliament elections. Mr Dunne claims he will put himself forward for the elections if there is a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty before then.
Dunne Could Run In European Elections
Irish entrepreneur Ben Dunne has said he could run as an independent candidate in next years European Parliament elections. Mr Dunne claims he will put himself forward for the elections if there is a second referendum on the Lisbon Treaty before then.