Dunnes staff vote to strike

STAFF at one of Cork’s busiest Dunnes Stores outlets have voted overwhelmingly to strike in a row over alleged workplace bullying.

The news comes just days before the supermarket chain officially opens its latest Cork store in Charleville, where 130 jobs have been created.

The decision to strike at the chain’s Ballyvolane store on the northside of the city came following a ballot of almost 100 SIPTU members working in all sections of the shop.

The ballot was conducted over the past week and the result was made known on Wednesday evening.

SIPTU official Eddie Mullins declined to give a breakdown of the ballot, but said the overwhelming majority of staff were in favour of strike action.

It is understood the ballot was carried three to one in favour of a strike.

SIPTU is expected to apply within the next day or so for a sanction to strike before informing Dunnes management of its intention.

It is expected the industrial action will take the form of at least one 24-hour stoppage beginning next month.

The strike could cost Dunnes hundreds of thousands in lost revenue in the busy pre-Christmas shopping period.

Mr Mullins said the union remains available for discussion to avert the strike.

However, Dunnes management have not responded to his calls for meetings.

A company spokesperson has said it does not comment on human resources issues.