Workers at major Dunnes supplier set for strike action

STAFF are to take industrial action at one of biggest suppliers to Dunnes Stores.

Around 320 workers at Whelan’s Frozen Foods in Dublin could go on strike from Friday.

The action follows a dispute between Whelan’s and Dunnes over a supply contract due to end on February 28.

SIPTU said its members were taking industrial action because they were uncertain about the future of their jobs in light of the row between Whelan’s and Dunnes.

“Whelan’s are one of the main suppliers of goods to Dunnes Stores but on February 28 that arrangement will cease, meaning 460 workers are facing a very uncertain future,” said SIPTU branch organiser John Dunne.

“Last December Whelan’s gave the union a commitment that it would clarify the company’s future for the workers but to date no such clarification has been received.”

Whelan’s has failed to discuss the issue with the union, which now fears workers could be made redundant or put on new contracts.

Around 320 of the 460 workers are SIPTU members and work in deliveries and in Whelan’s storage facilities.

Yesterday Dunnes declined to comment on what effect any action would have on its stores.

No one was available for comment at Whelan’s.

The union said supplies of frozen foods and clothing in Dunnes could be affected with shortages getting worse if the action continued.