Mandate and Roches Stores will go before the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) for assistance in resolving outstanding workers' issues following the purchase of the company be Debenhams and Marks and Spencer this week.
The retail workers' union, which represents 2,000 staff from Roches, was in discussion with the company today over maintaining the existing terms and conditions for staff in their new employments, securing pension entitlements, and a goodwill-payment to staff.
The parties reached agreement on the existing terms and conditions in their new employment, they failed to agree on pensions and a goodwill payment, "in recognition of their contribution to Roches Stores' success."
Speaking this evening Linda Tanham, Mandate National Official, said: "Whilst both sides reached agreement on maintaining the existing terms, conditions and benefits for the staff under their new employers, it is imperative that both sides endeavour to reach common ground on the other outstanding issues.
"This is why we have agreed to go to the Labour Relations Commission for their assistance."
The two will meet with the LRC on Wednesday and Thursday next week.
Debenham's announced the €29m purchase on Tuesday. The Roche family is expected to receive approximately €18m per annum in rent.
Marks & Spencer agreed to buy out the leasehold on Roches' outlet at the Wilton centre in Cork. That site is not owned by the Roche family.