Tesco workers to picket Limerick stores

THE Mandate trade union has confirmed that more than 300 workers are set to begin picketing Tesco stores in Limerick from Monday morning.

The strike action was confirmed in response to the company’s decision to impose pay cuts on hundreds of long-term employees.

Around 12,000 people are expected to take part in the strike nationally – affecting more than 70 stores.

Karen Wall, divisional organiser with Mandate, confirmed that pickets will be placed at Tesco stores at Arthur’s Quay, Coonagh Cross and the Crescent Shopping Centre from 7am on Monday. 

The union says long-serving staff which Tesco wants to move onto a new contract with lower pay will take strike action and that their colleagues will not pass the pickets.

More than 99% of pre-1996 staff voted to take industrial action in a ballot last month.

Gerry Light, Mandate assistant general secretary, said Tesco management is forcing changes to the contracts of workers employed before 1996.

“These changes will seriously undermine living standards for our members who have mortgages and other commitments which were made on the back of their conditions of employment over the last 20 to 30 years,” he said.

In a statement, Tesco said it is disappointed with Mandate’s announcement that they will hold strike action on Monday.

“We need to make this change in order to improve our customer service at our busiest times of the week. Our stores and online service will open for business on Monday as usual," read the Statement.