Re: Important updates from the National meeting in Waterford

19^th September 2019

To: All Mandate Members – McCauley

From: Bill Abom, Lead Organiser (0876918688) 

Re: Important updates from the national meeting in Waterford

Apologies for the length of this update but we are at a critical time and there are quite a few things to go over so please take the time to read and share with others.

Most of you may be aware that our first national union meeting was held earlier this week in Waterford which was attended by representatives from stores where there is currently union membership. The purpose of the meeting was to review the results of the member priorities survey and to outline and agree the next steps to pursue those priorities with company management.

Priorities survey results

The following three items were clearly identified by members as the top priorities to raise with the company.

1. A decent pay rise
2. An improved sick pay scheme
3. Fair pay scales across the various job roles to reflect service/experience

Other issues widely raised but to a lesser extent included: better staffing levels; a pension scheme; better training (health and safety and other systems); improved annual leave; respect and appreciation from the company.

Several members also raised concerns about the new time/clocking system being implemented. Members have reported it will deduct up to fifteen minutes pay for clocking-in even one minute late. If such an incident occurs and your pay is deducted as threatened please get in touch for assistance as this would be a violation of your rights under the Payment of Wages Act.

Several members also raised the issue of more secure working hours in their contracts. For example, some reported having insecure 4-40 hour or 24-40 hour contracts where in fact their actual working hours are consistently high. If you have such a contract or know someone who does we can provide some assistance on how to request a more secure weekly hours contract under new legislation, so get in touch.

Finally, some members raised issues that involved potential violations to basic rights and entitlements. For example, not having a proper contract in place or changes being made to conditions without agreement. If you have such an issue and require some assistance or guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Next Steps

It was agreed that based on our existing membership (60% of McCauley locations now have union members) we will attempt as a union of employees in McCauley to request that management engage to progress the priority issues as outlined. A letter from the union to the company will be issued soon and a copy will be sent to all union members.

The road ahead is uncertain. A lot will depend on the reaction of the company to the request to engage with us. A lot will also depend on our ability to stay united and to continue to reach out to fellow workers not yet in the union and encouraging them to join with us. You know that our strength is in our numbers.

Some potential company reactions

Most companies prefer not to engage with employees organised in a union. Company management know it is undoubtedly more difficult to ignore the issues and concerns of workers when they join together as you have. Based on past experience any combination of the following things may follow from company management in attempts to undermine and resist engaging with you as a union.

1. The Company may set up its own directed, internal staff association or forum to deal with employment issues in an attempt to confuse and delay matters and to stifle progress. They will also most likely start their own employee feedback surveys.
2. Management may start addressing some of the immediate or short term issues and concerns without direct union engagement.
3. Company management may begin an anti-union propaganda campaign. They will say things like “There’s no point in joining a union. We will never recognise a union because we only deal with our employees directly not some outsider.”

The reality is that the “union” in McCauleys is made up of McCauleys employees who have decided to come together to speak with a stronger and unified voice to protect and improve conditions. The union is not an outside third party – it’s you the members. While our preference is that company management recognise and engage with the union, it is not a required in order for us to make progress in McCauley.

National Union Committee

Most companies organised in Mandate Trade Union have a national union committee. The purpose of a national union committee is to give direction and be involved in any discussions and negotiations with the company. The committee is normally made up of union members in various locations and various job roles. At the meeting in Waterford this week some members initially put their names forward. If you are interested in being a part of the national committee and would like more information please contact Bill at 0876918688.

Spread the word

Remember our best chances of success will come from our strength in numbers. Now more than ever all members must reach out to colleagues and ask them to join at www.joinmandate.ie