Retailer served with strike notice

One of Europe’s largest retailers says it will activate “contingency plans” to ensure deliveries continue to SuperValu and Centra supermarkets if employees at one of its warehouses strike next week.

SIPTU confirmed yesterday it had officially served notice to Musgrave that its members will strike at the company’s Cork Chill warehouse next Wednesday, Apr 18.

Karan O’Loughlin, the union’s official who deals with the wholesale, retail and distribution sections, said 135 of her members, who are salaried staff at the warehouse, intend to withdraw their labour. The action is being taken over promised wage increases, rostering issues and the introduction of new voice technology.

Musgrave issued a statement last night, that as it began to implement the new voice technology at the warehouse it was served with strike notice.

“Musgrave is committed to implementing voice technology in accordance with the Labour Court recommendation and training is step one of that process. Voice technology has already been implemented at Musgrave’s three other depots in agreement with employees and their union representatives,” a statement said.