Argos staff set to strike again

WORKERS at retail company Argos will stage a second one-day strike just days before Christmas.

Nineteen shops throughout the country were picketed last weekend in a row over wages and the company’s refusal to increase pay by 10%.

Mandate, the union representing workers, has notified management that a second strike will be held on December 18.

Linda Tanham, Mandate’s assistant general secretary, said: “There’s no doubt the workers made a massive impact on the company despite the fact Argos flew in UK workers to break the strike.”

The union warned further subsequent stoppages could take place at any time.

The union has been pushing for better wages claiming workers are paid on a six point wage scale which starts at around €9 an hour and asked for a 10% rise.

The dispute has been to the LRC and the Labour Court which recommended payment of Towards 2016 increases worth 2.5% from November. But in December 2000, Argos and Mandate agreed future wage increases would be subject to annual negotiations and not social partnership.

Argos has said its pay rates are extremely competitive. Most Argos staff werepaid €9 per hour.