Dunnes Stores workers angry at withdrawal of parking facilities
Tuesday 19 March 2013Workers to lose out financially and face added health and safety risks
Mandate Trade Union, which represents thousands of workers in Dunnes Stores, say staff at the company are very troubled, anxious and angry at the decision to withdraw parking facilities for employees over the Easter period in at least 47 stores nationwide.
The union is condemning the unfair burden this inconsiderate decision will place on the shoulders of its workforce which includes a financial burden and a risk to their health and safety.
Mandate Assistant General Secretary, Gerry Light, said, “A very large proportion of our members in Dunnes have contacted us telling us their concerns.
“With the lack of rural transport in many areas, workers, in many instances, have no option but to drive to work. This means they face extra costs to pay for private parking and also face the risks associated with having to walk long distances in isolated areas at unsociable times.
“Parking rates can be €1 per hour to €2 per hour meaning a full time worker could lose between €38-76 per week from their income,” said Mr Light.
“These are very difficult economic times for everybody but to add this expense to retail workers who are already low paid is simply mean and will result in no savings for the company but a lot of anxiety for their staff,” he said.
“Dunnes workers, many of whom are female, can start at 6am and finish anywhere after 11pm at night. If the company refuses to back down on this, many will be forced to walk 10 minutes in very isolated areas and this puts a very unnecessary risk on the individual involved,” said Mr Light.
The company has communicated to staff in approximately 47 stores nationwide informing them that the company is withdrawing parking facilities from Monday, 18th March for at least one week to facilitate the Easter period.
Workers in several other stores have been informed that this is a permanent measure.
Mandate has written to the company seeking clarification on the matter.
