Tesco pickets continue as strike set to escalate

Tesco pickets continue as strike set to escalate

By Maurice Garvey

TESCO workers in Ballyfermot entered their second week of strike action this week with no end yet in sight for pickets at 21 stores nationwide.

The strike centres around what the union Mandate says is an attempt by Tesco management to enforce contract changes which will see wages of 250 staff recruited before 1996 fall by more than 15 per cent.

Tesco workers Ballyfermot 16022017

Tesco has repeatedly denied this and says it needs to make changes to contracts to reflect an altered retail environment which now includes late-night and online shopping as well as Sunday openings.

The Ballyfermot workers have received support in the community since beginning their strike with seven other stores on February 14.

However, staff at Tescos in Tallaght and Lucan have since voted against joining the picket line.

In total, 21 stores have voted to engage in industrial action, while 18 have voted against.

John Douglas, Mandate General Manager said workers are concerned at scare tactics used by the company to deter them from striking.

Tesco Ireland said the company is “shocked” that Mandate are continuing to pursue a “reckless dispute”, in light of seven out of eight stores voting against strike action on Tuesday.

A rally in support of the Tesco workers currently on strike is set to take place in Ballyfermot on Monday, February 27, meeting at the Church of the Assumption at 5.30pm.

Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan, said: “Residents want to do more than just not passing the picket line. A number of local people have come together and organised a march next Monday to support our friends and neighbours who are out on strike.”

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