Dunnes workers confirm protest march for June 6

The union representing workers at Dunnes Stores has confirmed that it has lodged a claim for a 3% pay increase for its members — and that its national protest march over terms and conditions at the company will take place on June 6.

Tue, 28 Apr, 2015 - 01:00

Stephen Rogers

Mandate said the march to the company’s head office in Dublin will be preceded by a series of “local protests and actions” with further details announced closer to the day.

“This protest will be an opportunity for the public to show solidarity with the workers who are seeking secure incomes and decent conditions of employment,” said Mandate assistant general secretary Gerry Light.

“We expect Dunnes workers who are not rostered to work on the day to attend, and they’ll be calling on their friends and family, as well as other trade unionists, politicians, community groups, and members of the public, to attend and show their support.”

The union has lodged a claim for a 3% pay increase in each of the past three years. The last two increases were honoured. However, Mandate said it had heard nothing back from the company in response to the latest claim lodged in the last few days.

The union estimates up to 6,000 Dunnes workers took part in a strike earlier this month in order to achieve “basic entitlements” including secure hours and earnings, job security, fair pay, and the right to trade union representation.

“The workers are also demanding that there are no delays in the implementation of robust collective bargaining legislation with strong anti-victimisation provisions,”said Mr Light.

“We believe irresponsible employers like Dunnes should be held accountable for their actions and workers in precarious employments need some avenue to have their voices heard without being forced to take industrial action.”

Mandate said its shop stewards in Dunnes have made it clear they are reserving their right to take industrial action again in the future and are committed to potentially escalating it beyond another one-day strike.

“They are calling for this day of action because they, unlike their employer, are concerned about potential long-term irreparable damage to the business,” Mr Light said.

“This course of action also ensures that low-paid workers do not have to unnecessarily endure the burden of losing hard-won earnings to achieve their campaign objectives. It will also deny Dunnes management the chance to further engage in the campaign of retaliation which was carried out following the one-day strike.” Mr Light added that the support from the public so far has been tremendous.

Dunnes Stores management made no comment on the plans for the protest march and the pay claim.