Tesco has expressed concern over what it describes as Mandate Trade Union’s refusal to put its compromise proposal for compensating staff affected by changes to pre-1996 contracts to a ballot.
As part of this week’s discussions at the Workplace Relations Commission, the retailer tabled new proposals for the 300 staff across 65 stores involved, that it says, "address the feedback received from colleagues in relation to our pre-1996/97 changes".
"We have revised this offer further and we believe that colleagues should now have time to consider our new offer," said Christine Heffernan, Corporate Affairs Director Tesco Ireland.
These new proposals include new options, as well as compensation, for either full or partial contract buyouts. The partial buyout option, explained Heffernan, would mean that the vast majority of colleagues would retain their pay rate, as well as benefit from an increase inclusive of the recent 2% pay increase
The proposals also protect the guaranteed 5% share bonus award, offer a €3,000 lump sum payment, and would give staff a 2% backdated payment to April 2015 in settlement of a 2015 pay claim.
"We do not understand why Mandate refuses to put these proposals to their members and proceeds instead to an indefinite strike," said Heffernan.
"Feedback from our staff is that they are shocked at Mandate’s move and would like the opportunity to have a say. We believe that colleagues should have time to consider our new offer."
She concluded by saying, "Tesco will be maintaining business as usual tomorrow to ensure our 14,500 colleagues can continue their roles at the business, and we are now calling the Union to put our generous new proposal to its members."
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
