Dunnes workers strike today
Over 6,000 Dunnes Stores workers are expected to go on strike across the country today.
The work stoppages will take place at 107 stores nationwide after 67% of Mandate Trade Union's members at the company voted in favour of action.
Wake up to 20% off everything - exclusively online! Today only on http://t.co/93aKyBtmyh. pic.twitter.com/vK7lJEwS6g
— Dunnes Stores (@dunnesstores) April 2, 2015
The dispute is over what the union says is an "excessive" use of temporary contracts and a refusal by Dunnes to negotiate over grievances.
30 yrs ago Seamus Heaney stood in solidarity with #DunnesStores workers. Who will stand with them tomorrow? #mandate pic.twitter.com/ioXG01Tf1M
— Denis Spillane (@spillaneda) April 1, 2015
Jobs Minister Richard Bruton is appealing for both sides to start talks.
"The only way for this to be resolved is through the work of the Labour Relations Commission," said Minister Bruton. "We would urge the employer to engage in that process," he added.
I won't pass the picket @DunnesWorkers #DunnesStores pic.twitter.com/vWdFVop1rE
— CIARA CONWAY she /her (@ciaramconway) April 1, 2015
The unions report being pleased with the level of public and political support that they have received.
But Mandate General Secretary John Douglas says that they feel like they have no choice but to strike.
"There is massive cross-party political support and there is massive public support," said Douglas.
"This dispute is avoidable, the Labour Court and the the Labour Relations Commission both invited Dunnes Stores to attend, but it refused both offers.
"This dispute is totally of Dunnes Stores own making. It was avoidable but unfortunately the workers now have no other option,"said Douglas.
Here's an account of the disgraceful bullying and intimidation tactics used by #DunnesStores management against... http://t.co/UkZXyQW269
— TWCHBlog (@TWCHBlog) April 2, 2015
