THE threat of a Christmas strike at Tesco's two Irish chains, Quinnsworth and Crazy Prices, has been lifted, writes Padraig Yeates, Industrial Relations Correspondent.Mandate and SIPTU, the unions representing 7,000 employees of the company, have suspended a strike ballot following a breakthrough in talks with the company.
Both unions had decided to ballot for strike action after the company refused to make a goodwill payment to employees on its takeover of Powers Supermarket Group earlier this year.
Last night, Mandate's national industrial officer, Mr John Douglas, said the unions had agreed to adopt a more strategic approach. The company was willing to negotiate long-term improvements for members and in this context it made sense to pursue these rather than a once-off lump sum.
The first indication of a breakthrough in the dispute came last month, when Tesco decided to extend its 10 per cent discount on purchases for staff in Britain to its new Irish outlets.
The company has a profit-sharing scheme in Britain which is expected to feature in negotiations with the Irish unions. In return the company is likely to seek greater flexibility from the Irish workforce.
The lifting of the threat at Tesco comes as Mandate, SIPTU and the Marine Port & General Workers Union are about to hold a strike ballot at Dunnes Stores.