03/12/2007

Argos Hit By Day-Long Strike

Striking Argos workers have claimed the company flew in staff from the UK to man stores during a one-day strike at the weekend.

Pickets were placed at the 18 Argos stores around the country in a work stoppage as part of a campaign for better pay.

Stores in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Kilkenny, Athlone and Drogheda were among those being picketed.

The workers' trade union, Mandate, is seeking a 10% pay rise for staff, two thirds of whom the union claims are earning just over €9 an hour.

It also wants the company to return to negotiating pay rises with the union.

Argos last year ceased dealing with Mandate and now applies increases in accordance with the national wage agreement.

A spokespeson for Argos has confirmed that some staff were brought over from the UK to support those working in their branches and to protect customer services.

(BMcC)

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