Dunnes Stores has awarded its workers with a permanent pay boost this Christmas that will benefit around 10,000 people.
Staff have seen a 10% increase in their wages today after the company conceded a claim from members of the Mandate Trade Union.
The company had previously awarded the 10% pay increase as a temporary measure but following a “relentless” campaign led by Mandate members in Dunnes, it has now been consolidated into their pay.
The temporary staff discount of 20% has also been extended for workers indefinitely, according to reports.
Speaking about the increase, a staff member from the Dundalk store, Cathy McLoughlin said: “We are delighted to see the 10% in our payslips this morning.
“It’ll make such a big difference for all of us. I know lots of my colleagues are struggling to pay bills after rent and house price increases, along with fuel increases.
“So this is a very welcome Christmas present for them.”
Ms McLoughlin, who is a member of Mandate’s Dunnes National Committee, has now urged all Dunnes workers to join the campaign for improvements to pay and more.
“This pay increase wasn’t just handed to us from nowhere,” she said.
“We had to fight for it, and we’ve gotten our just reward. Imagine what we could do if we have even more members and activists in Dunnes. I’m urging all my colleagues to join Mandate Trade Union today.”
“This is a remarkable victory,” says Mandate’s Assistant General Secretary Jonathan Hogan.
He said this is a “victory for our activists and members in Dunnes who have pushed this campaign for more than 18 months.
“It is only the beginning and it’s an opportunity for all Dunnes workers who want improved conditions of employment.
“For years Dunnes has refused to engage in collective bargaining with their Union resulting in workers having no option but to campaign for basic changes to their terms and conditions of employment.
“These improvements will only be possible if the workers mobilise collectively around these issues”.
