Mandate welcomes 640 jobs saved at B&Q but seeks confirmation regarding terms and conditions
Tuesday 7 May 2013Mandate Trade Union, the union representing retail workers at DIY chain B&Q Ireland, has welcomed today’s announcement that 640 jobs are to be saved following the High Court’s approval of the examinership plan at B&Q.
The union says it also welcomes the company’s statements that workers have retained their pay and conditions and that they will not be cut as a result of the examinership process.
However, although Brian Mooney, Chairperson of B&Q, has confirmed publicly that terms and conditions have not been cut, the union is seeking further clarification due to the ongoing dispute over a reduction in hours and a change of working patterns for some workers in the Liffey Valley store.
Gerry Light, Assistant General Secretary of Mandate said, “Following today’s’ public statements from the Chairperson of B&Q about workers’ terms and conditions being protected, we assume the company is therefore withdrawing from its demands for a reduced working week for our members in Liffey Valley.
“As Mr Mooney well knows, any reduction in hours means a reduction in income for their workers so the company needs to be clear for the sake of their workers who deserve confirmation that their working conditions have not and will not be deteriorated in the coming weeks and months,” said Mr Light.
