Dunnes staff ask public to join march

Dunnes Stores staff have called on members of the public to join them and the wider trade union movement today as they march to the company’s head office in Dublin to demand fairer working conditions.

The Dunnes workers, their families and supporters will assemble at Merrion Square at 1pm and will march to Dunnes head office on Georges Street, Dublin 2.

The trade union Mandate which co-ordinated the march, says this is not only about Dunnes Stores workers and the issues affecting them, but it’s a broader societal question about the type of employment we want in our country. The march is supported by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and all of its affiliated trade unions.

“This is a march for decent work and fair pay for all workers in Ireland,” said a Dunnes Stores worker.

“We know the issue of low pay and precarious work isn’t specific to Dunnes Stores and affects tens of thousands of other workers right across Ireland. That’s why we hope everyone can make an effort to join us in our march because this is something that has to be tackled together.

“This march is an opportunity to say to employers and politicians that workers need secure hours and they need a living wage,” said the employee.

Gerry Light, Mandate’s assistant general secretary, said: “The Dunnes Stores workers took a very brave step when they went on strike on Thursday, April 2. The support from members of the public that day was phenomenal and we’re hoping that we’ll see that same level of support today.

“No worker should be left wondering whether they’ll receive enough hours to be able to pay the bills next week, and no employer should possess the ability to cut a workers’ wage at a whim.

“As the economy recovers it’s vital we don’t base that recovery on low-paid, insecure work,” he said.