Mandate launched their Decency for Dunnes Workers Campaign in May (2014). As part of the campaign Dunnes Stores workers want a number of issues addressed including:

• The implementation of banded hour contracts which would give workers security of hours and earnings
• Fair pay for all workers in Dunnes Stores
• A review of Dunnes’ excessive use of temporary contracts of employment
• Individual and collective representational rights for Dunnes workers

In November last year, a survey of 1,200 Dunnes Stores workers found 76% were on a part-time flexible contract and 98% wanted more stable hours. Almost 90% of workers said they thought the hours were unfairly distributed, with 89% saying it is common practice that new employees on lesser terms and lesser rates of pay receive more hours than longer-serving staff on better terms.

Mandate briefed IMPACT members and staff in the IMPACT head office last week and called on all workers to support this campaign.

Gerry Light, Mandate assistant general secretary said: “Despite Dunnes Stores threatening job losses and cuts in hours, our members have taken the remarkable and very brave decision of voting in favour of industrial action.

“The close result of this ballot is a reflection of the nervousness felt by staff members over their security of income and security of their jobs.”

Gerry added, “Lest we forget, Dunnes remains a highly profitable retailer with an estimated turnover of approximately €2.2bn in the Irish grocery sector alone. It won’t cost them anything but pride to sit down and negotiate a banded hours framework which would afford their employees the same security of hours and income which is commonplace in all of their main competitors.

To support the campaign like their page on facebook here, or sign up for updates on the campaign website here.