Mandate Trade Union has 'cautiously welcomed' Dunnes Stores' concession of a 3% pay increase claim it lodged for Dunnes workers in April.
According to a statement issued today (12 May) by the trade union, Dunnes management confirmed the concession at in-store ‘communications meetings’ with staff nationwide.
Mandate says this shows what workers can achieve when they stick together, however, the union adds the pay increase needs to be implemented with secure, banded hour contracts for it to be meaningful.
Gerry Light, Mandate Assistant General Secretary said: “This concession of our claim for a 3% increase is important, and it shows our campaign is making progress, but workers also need security of hours. What use is a pay increase if management can reduce your hours by two or three in a week, leaving you with less income?”
The union also says the pay increase demonstrates the success of the Decency for Dunnes Workers campaign, but the campaign will continue. Mandate members in Dunnes Stores have won a total of 9% in pay increases over the last three years.
Light added, “What Dunnes workers are asking for is very reasonable and is afforded to all workers in Dunnes’ major competitors in the retail sector, including Tesco, Penneys, Marks & Spencer and SuperValu. They want secure hours and earnings, job security, fair pay and the right to be represented by their trade union.”
As part of the Decency for Dunnes Workers campaign, Mandate will host a national demonstration on Saturday, 6 June. Workers and supporters are expected to assemble at Merrion Square in Dublin at 1pm and march to Dunnes Stores Head Office on Georges Street, Dublin.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
