Enda Kenny: Dunnes staff need ‘clarity’

Dunnes Stores workers set to strike over working contracts have been backed by Enda Kenny.

While Mr Kenny said he hoped today’s planned industrial action could be averted, the Taoiseach insisted the store chain’s employees had the right to “clarity” regarding the times they are expected to work.

The Taoiseach said other retail groups had been able to reach agreement with staff over the issue, and Dunnes should do the same.

Mr Kenny was responding to demands by Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to condemn the stance of Dunnes management.

Mr Martin said Dunnes Stores staff were not being treated fairly and their strike was essentially about low hours contracts.

He said Dunnes should follow the lead of other chains such as Marks & Spencers, Tesco and Penney’s which reached agreement on clarity regarding working hours.

Mr Martin said Dunnes staff were living in fear of reprisals as he warned industrial relations were going backwards to 19th century conditions as the country prepared to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising.

“There’s an absence of dignity and decency in how Dunnes Stores are treating their workers.

“The system is used to control workers. They are threatened with a reduction in hours if they are not on side and do not play ball. Sick pay is orchestrated and is almost non-existent. There is limited holiday pay.”

Mr Martin urged the Government to introduce fair working hours legislation to regularise the situation.

“The experience of the workers demonstrates excessive abuse of power over the workforce.”

He added that Dunnes had rostered all workers on duty for the proposed strike day, despite medical appointments or other such needs.

Mr Kenny said the Low Pay Commission would examine the issue of zero hours contracts, and he supported Dunnes’ workers need for clarity in their working arrangements.

“I hope the strike does not go ahead, but I support the workers in their right to have clarity about their working lives.

“The message is that this can be sorted out.

“These workers are loyal workers. They provide services every day of the week on a 24-hour basis and that should be recognised.

“I hope the employers in this case can understand the consequences of not providing clarity to the thousands of loyal workers who provide services to those who shop in their stores daily.”

The Taoiseach added other retailers had reached deals with their staff to ensure they knew the hours they were expected to work, and urged Dunnes to follow suit.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said his party fully backed the workers in their dispute with management and the urged the Government to do likewise. “Sinn Féin supports the Dunnes Stores workers and the right of all workers to a living wage. The Government does not support this concept. The Government has an aversion to equality. This Government stands with the elites and against citizens.”

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