Tesco ‘threatened to lock out’ workers

STAFF representatives at Tesco yesterday claimed the supermarket giant had threatened to lock out the workers at a Cork store until June unless they agreed to new terms and conditions.

Mandate trade union said the workers were called into meetings with management in small groups. They were told if they pressed ahead with the action, the Douglas store would remain closed until June and they wouldn’t receive any pay until then.

It also claimed some staff were told that if stressed by events, they could ring in sick and, as long as they did not embark on strike action, they would be able to remain on paid sick leave.