TÁNAISTE JOAN BURTON today greeted striking Dunnes Stores workers at the Henry Street branch where she once worked.
The Tánaiste received a warm welcome from the crowd at the store where she was employed for a time as a student.
Speaking at the event, Burton, said, “The people in Dunnes Stores have given fantastic service down the years. I think the company should go and enter into negotiations and should settle. People shouldn’t have to be out on strike.”
She went on to address the issue of banded hour contracts – which is one of workers’ key demands – saying that research into the matter was under way in the University of Limerick and was expected back at the same time as the Low Pay Commission in July.
The Tánaiste also said that collective bargaining legislation would be introduced in the next Dáil term that would allow for industrial disputes to be moved to a Circuit Court level in circumstances where the employer fails to engage in negotiations.
Dunnes workers are currently picketing stores across the country.
Earlier today, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin arrived at the St Stephen’s Green store to give their support to protesters.
The strike action today comes from a ballot held by Mandate Trade Union – which more than half of Dunnes staff are members of.
Dunnes responded to the strike today by offering an online discount of 20% to their customers.
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