Argos to open stores tomorrow despite staff strike
The catalogue retail giant and Mandate, which represents the disaffected workers, have been through the Labour Relations Commission and Labour Court and on Wednesday brought their dispute to the National Implementation Body, but have failed to resolve their differences over pay.
Mandate says workers are paid on a six-point wage scale that starts at €9.07 an hour and it has asked for a 10% rise.
However, Argos said workers have received a 10%-10.5% pay increase since February 2006, and that is in line with recommended pay increases under the national wage agreement Towards 2016.
“Increases have been made in four phases as recommended, with the first increase in February 2006 and the final increase taking place at the end of October 2007.”
Mandate insists those payments are inadequate, particularly for low paid workers.
Argos employs 1,200 people in Ireland and Mandate say they represent about 50% of the retail staff.
Argos admitted the action comes on one of its busiest weekends, and it is determined it will operate its normal hours over the weekend. It has also not given up on the possibility of further talks averting the action.
Meanwhile, Mandate assistant general secretary Linda Tanham has warned there will be further action in the run-up to Christmas if there is no resolution of the dispute.
