DUNNES WORKERS APPEALING TO THE PUBLIC NOT TO CROSS PICKET LINES
Striking workers at Dunnes Stores outlets across County Wexford are appealing to members of the public not to cross picket lines.
Around 6,000 staff members are taking part in work stoppages across the country over what they say is an ‘excessive’ use of low-hour and temporary contracts.
The work stoppages are taking place at the company’s stores in Gorey, Enniscorthy and Wexford Town.
This Dunnes worker in Dublin says her colleagues just want to be treated fairly.
“When the staff are cut to 15 hours it means that we don’t have extra help inside – so it’s like two to three staff doing about six people’s jobs” she said.
“We’re expected to do it and get it done throughout the day”.
“We just want the same as everybody else” she added.
Gerry Light, assistant general-secretary of Mandate, says it is likely there will be further strikes by workers – depending on how the company responds to today’s action.
“Obviously we’ll have to assess what happens today and the impact today” he said.
“But more importantly, we’re going to have to wait and see is there any response from the employer”.
“Now there will be no more of these types of actions if there’s meaningful engagement – but I think it’s very obvious to state that if there’s not, well then I think it’s very likely that similar type actions will take place in the future” he said.
