Talk of Dunnes Stores takeover escalates

THERE is renewed speculation that supermarket giants ASDA is to takeover Dunnes Stores’ 120 outlets in the Republic of Ireland.

A total of 200 managers in 120 stores around the country were informed on Friday afternoon that they are to attend emergency meetings in Dublin and Cork early next week.

The outcome of these meetings could affect 18,000 workers employed by the company. The talks are scheduled to take place in Charleville in Cork on Monday and St Stephen’s Green in Dublin on Tuesday and in other locations later in the week.

Managers on annual leave have also been advised to attend the meetings where possible.

The company’s workers have been left in the dark causing concern about their futures.

There was widespread speculation in the media late last year that a takeover was imminent .

“Staff are obviously worried about what the future holds for them if ASDA takes over. We don’t know what is happening and this is very worrying. Rumours are rife that managers may lose their bonuses which can be worth from between €4,000 to €30,000,” one manager said.

Since Christmas some managers have also been told that their Sunday overtime payments are a thing of the past — a payment of €400 per Sunday which would reduce their earnings by up to €5,000 per annum. Furthermore some managers have also been informed of an increase in their working hours, by up to six hours a week with no extra remuneration.

Dunnes Stores employs 18,000 people nationwide and has a 25% share in the grocery market.

ASDA is owned by American supermarket giants Walmart.