1 April 2015
Support Dunnes Stores workers by refusing to pass pickets
SINN FÉIN Spokesperson for Workers' Rights, Senator David Cullinane, says people should show their solidarity with Dunnes Stores workers by refusing to pass pickets which will take place at stores on Thursday 2 April.
Dunnes' staff are demanding fair pay, the right to trade union representation, a review of Dunnes' excessive use of temporary contracts and the implementation of banded hour contracts which would give workers security of hours and earnings
"Not passing a picket is the best way to support the workers in their fight for secure hours, decent pay and fair working conditions," the Waterford senator said.
Workers are expected to strike at 109 Dunnes Stores across the state on Thursday following the company's continued refusal to meet with the workers' representatives.
Dunnes Stores worker Cathy McLoughlin, said:
"We all have bills to pay and children to feed but we don't know what hours we'll get from week to week. We can't live like this anymore. All we're really asking is to be treated the same as workers in other retail outlets like Tesco, Penneys and Supervalu who have secure hours and a right to be represented by their union.
"None of us want to go on strike because we really can’t afford it, but what other option have we got?"
Senator Cullinane called on Dunnes' management to meet with unions:
“These workers are taking a stand against low pay and zero hour contracts. They are standing up for real jobs that provide stable incomes. Real jobs provide workers with the stability to provide for the future of their families, to plan household budgets and contribute to the general well being of workers."
Commending the workers, Gerry Light of Mandate Trade Union, 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."
He reiterated that industrial action is completely avoidable if the owners and senior management simply enter into meaningful discussions with Mandate Trade Union.
Follow us on Facebook
An Phoblacht on Twitter
Uncomfortable Conversations
An initiative for dialogue
for reconciliation
— — — — — — —
Contributions from key figures in the churches, academia and wider civic society as well as senior republican figures