More than 7,000 Dunnes Stores workers are balloting on a new offer from the company for working pre-Christmas Sundays. Staff have threatened to take industrial action over the issue next month.
The offer is a variation on a Labour Court award earlier this year which the company rejected. It is expected to be accepted by the workforce. The unions involved, Mandate, SIPTU and the Marine Port and General Workers Union, are not making any recommendation on the offer.
SIPTU regional secretary Mr John McDonnell confirmed yesterday that the ballot was taking place and that the offer "appears to equate with the value of the Labour Court recommendation". He said it was a pity the company had left it so late before making its offer, but the ballot would be concluded as soon as possible.
The company is offering to pay staff recruited before October 1994 double time for working the four pre-Christmas Sundays, plus time off in lieu. Their Christmas bonus will be increased from a week's pay to one-and-a-half week's pay. Finally, staff will receive an extra day's holiday each year.
Staff recruited since October 1994 will receive time-and-a-half for working the Sundays, plus a week-and-a-half's Christmas bonus. They will also receive £20 worth of Dunnes Stores vouchers. Staff recruited before October 1994 will receive £40 worth of vouchers.