Superquinn issues notice as strike worsens

GROCERY giant Superquinn has issued protective notice to its 5,300 staff nationwide after a strike by 120 butchers in its Dublin stores worsened yesterday.

The Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union decided to apply for an all-out picket from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

If the picket is granted, other major unions in Superquinn, including Mandate and the Bakers Union, will have to ballot for strike action.

SIPTU assistant branch secretary Brendan Carr said the union had no alternative but to take industrial action after management failed to progress a claim for the restoration of an 8% pay differential.

Butchers did not receive the pay increase awarded to all other grades in the stores.

Mr Carr said management had refused to negotiate a recent Labour Court recommendation.

The dispute is affecting Superquinn stores in Dublin only.

Superquinn boss Fergal Quinn said the company had made the butchers a generous offer and sought only flexibility in return.