B&Q agree to union’s demand for test cases in payment of wages cases

The union has been following up on approximately 150 cases where the company has refused to pay their workers their Christmas Bonus, Summer Bonus and a Zone Allowance (applicable only in the Liffey Valley, Swords and Tallaght stores).

At a Rights Commissioner hearing on the 2 July 2013, both the union and the company verbally agreed for a number of ‘test cases’ to be heard from all the stores who have prosecuted payment of wages claims.

Mandate has since written to the Rights Commissioner seeking assurances in writing that the company is committed to allowing test cases to determine all outcomes, rather than prolonging the matter and clogging up the states mechanisms for resolving industrial disputes.

Jonathan Hogan, Mandate’s Industrial Officer said, “We’re hopeful that the company will stick by their word and allow all of our members’ claims to be determined by these test cases. This will achieve a much faster resolution to all the outstanding payment of wages claims for our B&Q members.

“We feel that the Christmas and Summer Bonuses, as well as the Zone Allowance, are a core part of our members’ employment package and they are therefore entitled to receive them.

“We’ve been very patient with the company to date but it’s time for these issues to be resolved and we want a solid commitment to that end.

Mandate will endeavour to keep you updated as this issue progresses.