Early Christmas present for Dunnes Stores workers as they win 10% pay increase

Thursday 23 December 2021

Almost 10,000 workers in Dunnes Stores have seen a 10% increase in their pay today after the company conceded a claim from members of Mandate Trade Union.

Mandate lodged the claim with the company in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. The company originally awarded the 10% pay increase as a temporary measure but following a “relentless” campaign led by Mandate members in Dunnes it has now been consolidated into pay, meaning it is reckonable for pension and annual leave purposes.

The temporary staff discount of 20% has also been extended by the Dunnes workers indefinitely, according to reports.

Dunnes worker from Dundalk and member of Mandate’s Dunnes National Committee, Cathy McLoughlin said:

“We are delighted to see the 10% in our payslips this morning, it’ll make such a big difference for all of us. I know lots of my colleagues are struggling to pay bills after rent and house price increases, along with fuel increases. So this is a very welcome Christmas present for them.”

Ms McLoughlin urged all Dunnes workers to join the campaign for further improvements to pay and benefits in Dunnes:

“This pay increase wasn’t just handed to us from nowhere. We had to fight for it, and we’ve gotten our just reward. Imagine what we could do if we have even more members and activists in Dunnes. I’m urging all my colleagues to join Mandate Trade Union today.”

Mandate say this is a significant win with Mandate’s Assistant General Secretary Jonathan Hogan stating:

“This is a remarkable victory for our activists and members in Dunnes who have pushed this campaign for more than 18 months.

“It is only the beginning and it’s an opportunity for all Dunnes workers who want improved conditions of employment. For years Dunnes has refused to engage in collective bargaining with their Union resulting in workers having no option but to campaign for basic changes to their terms and conditions of employment. These improvements will only be possible if the workers mobilise collectively around these issues”.

Mr Hogan commended the Dunnes workers for their relentless activities:

“Earlier this year the Dunnes workers launched a petition signed by more than 2,500 of their colleagues calling on the company to make their 10% Covid Premium and 20% staff discount permanent.

“Then they held a protest outside Head Office to raise awareness of the campaign. Following this customers launched their own petition signed by more than 7,500 in support of the workers. Now all of their activities have come to fruition and we couldn’t be prouder of them.”

“The message is clear,” Hogan added, “join your union and become active in it and you can win life changing pay and benefit improvements.”