Dunnes staff threaten strike over ‘management bullying’

STAFF at a Dunnes Stores outlet in Limerick are threatening to strike amid allegations of bullying by management.

The 40,000-strong MANDATE trade union yesterday warned that 400 Dunnes Stores staff members at the Parkway Shopping Centre will strike if their employers fail to address a number of outstanding grievances.

The warning came from union divisional organiser John Carty, who disclosed strike notice had been served on the company to take effect on August 29.

Workers voted by 136 votes to 10 for an initial one-day stoppage.

In a letter dated August 7 to management at the Parkway Shopping Centre, MANDATE general secretary Owen Nulty served notice initially for one-day industrial action following allegations of:

* Bullying and harassment of workers by members of management.

* Lack of ventilation in the summer and lack of heating in the winter.

* Changes in working hours and patterns.

* The late confirmation of annual leave.

* The abuse by management of the agreement regarding rostered finishing times.

Mr Carty said: “The union is available for negotiations with management on these outstanding issues. We have raised these various issues with management for over two years and our complaints have been ignored.”

He warned if the outstanding issues were not resolved satisfactorily, further strike action will be taken.

Dunnes Stores declined to comment on the union members’ allegations when contacted yesterday.