'Despicable and deplorable' – Dunnes Stores sacks workers who joined strike

DUNNES STORES workers who joined pickets on Good Friday have been dismissed, had their hours cut and faced demotions in what Mandate Trade Union has described as a "despicable" move by the the retailer's management

In a statement on Wednesday, Mandate Trade Union says some staff who took part in the industrial action demanding fair pay, decent hours and trade union representation have been dismissed, while others have seen their hours reduced and their shifts and roles changed.

The report came a day after Dublin Sinn Féin Councillor Larry O'Toole said he had been contacted by staff who had taken part in the strike and who were told on Saturday that they were being dismissed.

Mandate Assistant General Secretary Gerry Light described the targeting of staff who had taken part in the strike as "deplorable and despicable":

"All they want is for their company to meaningfully engage with them through their union, with the objective of creating decent working conditions. Now, their employer is blatantly targeting people with the hope of intimidating their own loyal staff and turning them away from any future trade union activities."

Sinn Féin Workers' Rights Spokesperson, Senator David Cullinane, condemned the actions and said the Government must take its share of responsibility:

"The absence of collective bargaining and strong anti-victimisation in the workplace legislation has allowed unscrupulous employers such as Dunnes Stores to treat workers in this fashion. This sort of bullying and harassment from an employer has no place in 21stcentury Ireland."

Senator Cullinane said legislation is urgently needed to protect workers and to prevent other employers from targeting and victimising workers who stand up for themselves.

Mandate says its National Disputes Committee – which comprises of Dunnes Stores shop stewards from all over the country – will meet next week to consider the next actions in the campaign which may include escalation of the dispute and further industrial action.