IS FOR TESCO TO RESPECT OUR - RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION COMMENT P2 Happy Christmas to all our members - Mandate Trade Union
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SHOPFLOOR
MANDATE TRADE UNION DECEMBER 2018
...
IS FOR TESCO TO RESPECT OUR
RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION COMMENT P2
COVERAGE P2/4
Happy Christmas to all our members
Let’s make 2019 a great year for workers!
COVER STORY
STRAIGHT
TALKING Our family is strong and up for the fight
John Douglas
CHRISTMAS is normally the time for cel- up to one of the biggest corporations in and exploitation of workers and it certainly
ebrations and reflections on the year the world and secured better wages and would not have tens of thousands of work-
General Secretary
past. It is a time for family and friends contracts. Our Paddy Power members ers without a union voice at work.
and focus on the things that really mat- stood up against the financial might of a
Mandate Trade Union
2019 will be a historic year on this
ter. massive company and won improvements island – the first Dail was a 32 county so-
The trade union movement is a family, a in contracts and breaks. Our members in
cialist Dail whose first socialist programme,
family of more than 700,000 workers in Ire- Tesco continue to fight against discrimina-
land – all struggling for decency and re- tion and fight for the right to have a voice the “Democratic Programme”, remains
spect at work, all trying to make a better life at work. largely unfilled to this day.
for themselves and their families. Add to this the struggles of members in It is our responsibility as Irish citizens
The Mandate family of nearly 35,000 Dunnes Stores, B&Q, Debenhams and and as trade union members to continue
members has it harder than most, for we many others – our Mandate family contin- to struggle to achieve the vision of our re-
have to fight for everything we have and ues to be a beacon of justice for all work- public – a republic of equality, solidarity
too often nowadays we have to fight to ers in Ireland – we shine a light into the and fraternity.
hold on to what we have. darkness of employer exploitation and Mandate’s programme for Decency and
Our members are to the forefront of abuse. Equality at work is an extension of the work
nearly every struggle in Ireland, whether it’s Also, our members continue to mobilise
of our first Dail – no worker in Ireland
for decent wages, secure hours, a voice at around water charges, the housing crisis
work or just plain old respect. and the hospital crisis – our members get should suffer mistreatment, denial of union
We have had to take action to win it, they know an injury to one is an injury to rights and exploitation on hours or wages.
things that for others is a given at work. all. We have a proud and long history on Let us all again as a union family
Our members are at the receiving end of matters of social justice both at home and pledge and resolve to fight injustices at
so called “flexibility” and “sharp practices”. abroad – our brave Dunnes Stores Anti- work and in society in 2019. Let us all
They face very powerful employers who Apartheid strikers proved just that. stand in solidarity to fight for a decent liv-
have very deep pockets. As we approach the centenary of the ing wage, decent contracts of employ-
But despite all that they face, I am “first Dail Eireann” and its first democratic ment and a voice at work.
proud to say that our family of mem- programme January 1919, we ponder on No Government or no employer has the
bers never shy away from doing the what could a real republic have looked like?
right to condemn the majority of
right thing. They have made and It certainly would not have 11,000 citi-
will continue to make brave zens homeless and 120,000 citizens on a citizens/workers to a poverty existence so
stands against injustices both at housing waiting list, or 707,000 citizens on as to benefit the few.
home and abroad. Our mem- hospital waiting lists. It certainly would not Happy Christmas and New Year – 2019
bers in LloydsPharmacy stood have the extraordinary levels of low pay the Year of Decency and Respect at Work.
Shopfloor is published bi-monthly by Mandate Trade Union. Mandate Head Office, O'Lehane House, 9 Cavendish Row, Dublin 1 T: 01-8746321/2/3 F: 01-8729581 W: www.mandate.ie
Design & Editing: Brazier Media E: braziermedia@btinternet.com. Shopfloor is edited, produced and printed by trade union labour
Tesco workers strike in Sligo and
He claimed this was “clear evi-
dence” that Tesco was seeking to step
away from collective grievance proce-
dures and provided “anecdotal evi-
dence” the retailer “was ignoring
set to strike in Carrick-on-Shannon
other important collective agree-
ments”.
Meanwhile, there are a number of
collective grievances that similarly
haven’t been dealt through due
process at Tesco’s Carrick-on-Shan-
non store.
ALMOST 100 Mandate members in
In one of these, the Labour Court
Sligo went on strike on Thursday,
recommended in June this year that
December 6, after their company
any “failure to resolve the issue at
refused to follow agreed procedures Conciliation, [meant] both parties
with Mandate. were required to move to the next
The strike was a resounding suc- step, i.e. a joint referral to the Labour
cess, with the retailer very clearly im- Court”.
pacted by the action. The support Mr Campbell commented: “This di-
from the public, the trade union rection was flatly ignored by the com-
movement and fellow members of Tesco’s Carrick-on-Shannon store (above) set for pre-Christmas stoppages, while, strikers (right) at Tesco pany. Subsequently, members there
Mandate was described by local in Sligo hand out leaflets during the December 6 stoppage. The response from locals was ‘tremendous’... have overwhelmingly voted in favour
activists as “tremendous”.
And as Shopfloor goes to press,
explained: “Having lodged two col- suited them. “We felt this had gone of taking industrial action up to and
lective grievances involving canteen on long enough,” Mr Campbell added, including strike action with 85% of
Mandate has also lodged strike notice facilities and staff searches, the com- “and in keeping with Section 9(3) of them exercising their right to ballot.
for Friday, December 14, with the pany hasn’t engaged with us in any the Industrial Relations Act, 1969 – “We regrettably have no alternative
possibility of more dates being shape or form. where it states ‘Procedures shall be other than make a stand and defend
added. Meanwhile, Tesco workers in “This is despite the fact our repre- deemed to be exhausted if at any our collective role and the collective
Carrick-on-Shannon have also voted sentations are fully in compliance stage an employer fails or refuses to processes and agreements that have
to strike and will be taking action on with the collective grievance proce- comply with them’ – we conducted on strike at this particular outlet. served both sides well in this employ-
December 22. dures. The company has also flatly re- membership consultative meetings “It goes without saying that aside ment.
The action in Sligo follows on from fused at all levels of management to following which it was agreed that we from dealing with the actual griev- “While the issues are important,
the retailer’s complete lack of en- respond to any of our correspon- should ballot for industrial action.” ances in the appropriate structured especially to the members, the com-
gagement with Mandate over two col- dence.” In the ballot, in which 85% of the process, the company seems intent pany’s unfortunate disregard and ig-
lective grievances that were invoked He pointed out that both collective Mandate membership exercised their de-recognising Mandate as a collec- norance is no longer acceptable,” he
as far back as late 2017 in line with grievances had subsequently been re- right to vote, some 97% voted in tive representative body in their em- said. “While this will obviously im-
the company’s collective grievance ferred to the Workplace Relations favour of taking industrial action up ployment. Instead of adopting a pact on our members as well as cus-
procedures. Commission. Despite four concilia- to and including strike action. mature approach and stating its in- tomers, it is high time the company
North and West Divisional Organ- tion dates being offered to Tesco over Mr Campbell continued: “After this tention either way over recognising comes clean about where it stands.”
iser Ciaran Campbell, who has repre- a four to five month period, the com- result, we have had no alternative but Mandate, Tesco is intent on cherry-
sentative responsibility for the store, pany claimed that none of these dates to serve the due notice and then to go picking what Mandate’s role will be.” Sligo strike pictures: page 4
2 SHOPFLOOR y December 2018
NEWS
Picture: Phalinn Ooi (CC BY 2.0)
SURVEYS
MOPI-SuperValu: pay, hours priorities
THE current pay and benefits given as top priorities by members
agreement at MOPI-SuperValu ex- surveyed. A national forum
pires at the end of December 2018 union/company meeting took
and to prepare for the next set of place on November 28th, immedi-
negotiations a national survey of ately followed by a national shop
members has just been completed. stewards meeting to finalise the
Unsurprisingly, the usual issues approach for the forthcoming ne-
of pay and weekly hours were gotiations.
It’s vital Penneys members take survey
MANDATE’S current pay and bene- findings of this survey of members
fits agreement negotiated with at Penneys will be used to priori-
Penneys management expires at tise the agenda for the forthcoming
the end of the year and to prepare negotiations.
in advance for a fresh set of talks, a “It is vital that all members take
national membership survey has time to participate as this offers a
been launched. very real opportunity for them to
Assistant General Secretary have their views reflected at the ne-
Gerry Light told Shopfloor: “The gotiating table.”
Union claim partially conceded Lloyds issues set for Labour Court
EARLIER this year, Mandate served a received it. Responding to this devel- regard clearly displays a total disre- FOLLOWING the recent temporary
suspension of Mandate’s industrial
3% cost-of-living pay claim on opment, Assistant General Secretary gard for the valuable and indis-
Dunnes, as well as seeking the cre- Gerry Light told Shopfloor: “While putable contribution made by dispute at Lloyds Pharmacy, a com-
ation of more full-time jobs and the this is a positive move, this partial store-based staff in the delivery of prehensive list of issues has now
been referred to the Labour Court
introduction of a staff discount for all concession alone falls way short of the current success of the business.”
for its consideration.
employees. what is contained in our pay and ben- He added: “Such a situation is to-
Commenting on the move, Assis-
As has happened in the past, efits claim currently before the tally unacceptable and it only
tant General Secretary Gerry Light
Dunnes refused to engage directly Labour Court. strengthens our resolve to deliver for said: “Obviously any subsequent
with the union and the claim was re- “As we approach the end of the our members at the Labour Court. Ul- Labour Court recommendation will
ferred to the Labour Court. year it is remarkable that Dunnes, timately if the company retains its be central to whether our members
In recent weeks, however, Dunnes currently Ireland’s leading retail position, our members may have to decide to reinstate their industrial
management announced that a 10% company, has not awarded its staff a consider bringing their collective action in order to achieve a reason-
staff discount would be given to all cost-of-living increase for 2018. power to bear in order to bring about able settlement of their ongoing
employees who had not previously “Management’s behaviour in this a fair and just resolution.” dispute.”
lRevenue confirms FRE rethink in letter lGen Sec: We must remain ‘vigilant’over Dept’s future intentions
Mandate wins Flat Rate Expenses restoration
By David Gibney and fight back.” In the meantime, by €121 bringing it to €19,879.
Mandate communications officer Mandate has urged all members to
MANDATE has received confirmation claim their expenses. What are the allowances?
from the Revenue Commissioners The allowances vary based on the
that the decision to remove Flat Rate What are flat rate expenses? role you are employed in. A full list of
Expenses (FRE) for retail workers Approximately 50 years ago trade the 53 employment categories with
has been deferred until 2020. unions negotiated for workers to be 134 individual flat rate expenses is
Mandate welcomes the decision, able to write off expenses accrued available at https://bit.ly/2P6jU9X
but will continue to campaign not due to their employment for taxation However, the industries appropri-
only for the maintenance of the FRE purposes. This relief is for the pur- ate to Mandate membership include:
regime, but for increases for retail chase and maintenance of uniforms, l Pharmacists - €400
and bar workers. tools and stationery, for instance. l Pharmaceutical Assistants (for-
More than 75,000 shop assistants However, the flat rate means all work- merly known as Assistant Pharma-
claimed the expense in 2017 – worth ers in an employment category col-
cists) - €200
l Shop Assistants (including su-
between €24 to €48 a year, depend- lect the same amount irrespective of
ing on an individual worker’s income. decided that the effective date for the off a massive amount of their ex- how much expense they accrue.
implementation of any changes to penses, so it’s only right that ordinary permarket staff, general shop work-
Revenue had decided to discon-
tinue the allowance earlier this year particular FTE categories will be de- workers get the same entitlement.” ers, drapery and footwear assistants)
How does it work?
for six categories of employees, while ferred until 1st January 2020.” Mr Douglas emphasised the need - €121
l Bar trade: employees - €93
The tax relief must be claimed by
retaining the allowance for other Commenting on the move, John for workers to remain vigilant. the worker because it is not automat-
workers. However, a high-profile Douglas told Shopfloor: “The decision “It still appears to be the intention ically applied by Revenue. However,
campaign initiated by Mandate to to reverse the discontinuation of the to review these expenses, with the after you make your first claim, Rev- How do I claim my allowance?
highlight the unfairness of this attack Flat Rate Expenses for shop assis- possibility that they will be removed enue should have applied it every Under Revenue rules you are enti-
on low income workers led to Rev- tants is welcome, of course. However, in 2020. The only reason they didn’t year thereafter. tled to claim for the previous four
enue reversing their decision. it should never have come to this. Our proceed with these cuts now is be- The way it operates is quite simple. years (2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017).
In a letter to Mandate General Sec- members in retail, and many other cause Mandate and ICTU lobbied and The relief allocated to your specific The quickest and easiest way to claim
retary John Douglas, Revenue stated: low income workers, rely on this al- campaigned against the cuts. employment reduces your taxable in- Flat Rate Expenses is through
“In the interest of fairness to all sec- lowance so that they can cover some “If they decide to remove the al- come. For instance, if you are a retail PAYEAnytime, which is available on-
tors and employees currently benefit- of the costs of being in employment.” lowances next year, we must be ready worker and you earn €20,000 per line at https://www.ros.ie/myaccount-
ting from the regime, Revenue has He added: “Employers get to write to mobilise within our trade unions year, your taxable income is reduced web/home.html
December 2018 y SHOPFLOOR 3
TESCO STRIKE PICTURE SPECIAL
SIMPLY THE BEST...
It’s official! Mandate have
the best strikers in the
trade union movement!
MANDATE staff have won this year’s on the left) said this was one of the
Trade Union Festive 5-a-side tour- most thrilling games of football he
nament, which was held on Friday, had seen in his life.
December 7. Mandate’s self-declared captain,
Mandate staff Eoin Griffin, Bill Keith Pollard, told Shopfloor: “We’re
Abom, David Gibney and Keith Pol- delighted to have won this presti-
lard (pictured left; back row, left to gious trophy. It was one of those
right) were joined on their team by
days when everything we did went
the Nevin Economic Research Insti-
tute’s Ciarán Nugent, who is also a right – but, to be honest, if it hadn't
member of Mandate. been for me, well..."
Mandate defeated the INMO, Mandate wants to thank Joe
Forsa, and the FSU in order to reach O'Connor from Forsa for organising
the final, where they beat the CWU a fantastic tournament. All proceeds
(front row) in a thrilling 7-4 victory. raised by participants will go to or-
Referee Dave Hughes (pictured ganisations tackling homelessness.
4 SHOPFLOOR y December 2018
ANALYSIS
What does
a decent
retail job
look like? Picture: Christian Schnettelker (CC BY 2.0)
Tesco campaign will set new standard for pay and conditions in retail
By David Gibney payscale for all Tesco Ireland work-
Mandate communications officer ers. And this time, rather than having
FOR decades workers across the an 18-month waiting period to
world have been losing their fair achieve your pay increment, we’ll be
share of the pie to corporate profits campaigning for 12-month incre-
and dividends for shareholders. ments.
Workers in Ireland have been losing But what does that new pay scale
more than most. look like? For all workers employed
Wages as a proportion of GDP in before 2006, they would automati-
Ireland have reduced since pay cally jump to €16 per hour. The new
peaked at 69% in 1975 and is now pay scale for those employed after
down at 44%. This marks the second 2006 would be:
highest drop in wage share out of 37
OECD countries, behind only Roma- Year 1 (Living Wage) € 11.90
nia. Year 2 € 13.00
€
Now only Mexico and Turkey have
lower wages-to-GDP ratios than Ire- Year 3 14.00
land out of 39 OECD countries. We Year4 € 15.00
also have the second highest propor- Year 6 and above € 16.00
tion of low-paid jobs in the EU.
Surely there’s a solution? It is clear that Tesco can afford this.
Well there is, and it’s simple. A They are estimated to have made
major national trade union campaign profits of €250 million last year, and
that lifts the expectations of workers should this new payscale be achieved,
and allows them to fight for decent it would reduce profits by an esti-
jobs with fair pay and remuneration. mated 10%-15%, leaving the com-
Take the retail sector, for instance.
pany with a very generous 85%.
Mandate has been calling for more
Crucially, though, it would allow all
full-time jobs in Tesco Ireland, in
Tesco staff the opportunity to have a
order to tackle the precarious work
decent standard of living in one of the
that is creeping into that particular Tesco Pay
most expensive countries in the EU.
employment. We’ve also been calling
for “pay equality”. Pay and remuneration is only one Rates
But what does that mean? aspect of a decent job, though. We v
In Tesco Ireland there are now ef- also want an extra 1,000 full-time Proposed
fectively three pay scales. The top contracts, better work-life balance
with one weekend off per month,
Pay Rates
point of each pay scale for workers
employed: along with fairer rostering and sched-
l before 1996 is – uling arrangents. And importantly,
€14.31 per hour; the company should comply with all
l between 1996-2006 is – existing collective agreements and
€15.49 per hour; and allow their workers collective repre-
l employed after 2006 is – sentation.
€12.95 per hour. These are just the bare minimum
Most workers in Tesco do the same requirements for a decent job in re-
tail. Tesco Ireland has been congrat-
ulating itself as a Great Place to Work,
job, but some are on a lower pay
scale. It is Tesco Ireland’s intention to
bring all workers on to the lower end while at the same time their workers
of the spectrum, but it is Mandate’s have balloted for strike action in at Wages as
intention to achieve equalisation up- least two stores, Sligo and Carrick-on- proportion
wards. Shannon. If the company wants to
In the coming year, Mandate will be genuinely be a great place to work, of GDP
campaigning to achieve a brand new let’s start with some of the above.
December 2018 y SHOPFLOOR 5
NEWS
l Mandate activist’s terrifying checkout ordeal l ‘Crazed’ raider was foaming at the mouth
Man used ‘machete-type’ weapon during
attempted robbery at Dunnes, court told
ANOTHER frightening incident in-
volving an attack on retail workers
“struggling in his own head”.
The court heard that a Dunnes staff
floor after the man was tackled by se-
curity staff.
at interview. Judge Melanie Greally
gave McDermott credit for his early
campaign survey conducted this year,
almost 10% of workers said that they
occurred on May 25, 2018, when a member was chatting to a colleague One of the security men who re- guilty plea, but noted that the has been physically assaulted during
man brandishing a “machete-type” when she noticed a person walk to- strained McDermott described the weapon had been capable of serious the course of their work.
weapon attempted to rob a Mandate wards the back of her checkout. raider as being very strong, foaming injury. A Mandate spokesperson told
activist on duty at the Dunnes Stores She told gardaí this person carried at the mouth, and having a “crazy” She said she was taking for granted Shopfloor: “We hope that the mem-
on Cardiffsbridge Road in Finglas. a very long silver knife and that he look on his face. that the staff members were fearful bers present during this robbery are
Garda Richard Finan produced the had shouted at her to open the till. Handcuffed and that the robbery had had lasting satisfied with the penalty imposed on
weapon used by 21-year-old The raider stood behind her as she Garda Finan said he and colleagues consequences for them. the perpetrator. And we hope that all
Dubliner Karl McDermott during his struggled to open it. She said that arrived, handcuffed McDermott and Judge Greally imposed a five-and- retail companies recognise the dan-
subsequent trial at the Central Crim- once she had managed to do so, she put him in the patrol car. He said they a-half year sentence with the final 12 gers faced by retail workers each day
inal Court on November 7. ran into an aisle. were going into the shop to retrieve months suspended for that period. and take the necessary action to pre-
Counsel for the defendent said Mc- The Dunnes said she next heard the knife when McDermott escaped This case illustrates the dangers re- vent assaults on their staff, both phys-
Dermott had been taking tablets and more shouting and saw the man the car. tail workers often have to contend ical and verbal.
had taken the weapon to commit a being restrained on the floor by secu- The garda said he restrained Mc- with. Luckily nobody was seriously “We also want to commend the se-
“completely irrational” robbery. He rity staff with cash scattered around Dermott again and this time placed injured on this occasion. But many curity staff who bravely tackled the
told Judge Melanie Greally that Mc- him.A colleague of the woman picked him in a Garda van. The court heard other workers are not so lucky. assailant and prevented this particu-
Dermott didn’t need money, but was up the knife which had fallen to the McDermott later made no comment In a recent Respect Retail Workers lar incident from escalating.”
MEMBERS of the Dunnes
Stores Cardiffsbridge
Road Branch, Finglas,
are pictured following a
well-attended and
successful meeting on
October 17.
There was a packed
agenda with discussions
on a range of subjects,
including health and
safety concerns, staffing
level reductions, fair
distribution of hours as
well as dignity and respect
issues. A new shop
steward and deputy shop
steward was elected
as was a new house
committee.
Dublin North Industrial
Officer John Callan told
Shopfloor: “Members
were briefed on the latest
developments in the
Decency for Dunnes
Workers Campaign and
the amazing service given
by shop steward Veronica
Madden, who is stepping
down after 25 in the store,
was recognised. Veronica
was thanked for her loyal
service and commitment
and all present wished
her a happy and long
retirement.”
ICTU welcomes First 5 strategy as progressive step forward
CONGRESS has welcomed the new of babies, young children and their leave (to be taken during the 26 of a child’s life and pointed out that costs faced by families and an under-
Government First 5 strategy as a pos- families. He flagged up in particular weeks following the birth of a child). the proposal as planned falls short of valued workforce where qualified ed-
itive development with a potential to the confirmation of the planned in- Mr Joyce told Shopfloor: “This is a this by some 10 weeks. ucators earn on average less than
deliver real changes for working fam- troduction of paid parental leave, progressive step that would in effect Mr Joyce said the reform of the €11 an hour with many on precari-
ilies. which will see the gradual introduc- mean that parents would have up to Early Learning and Care (ELC) sys- ous 15-hour a week and 38-weeks a
The initiative, launched on Novem- tion of a non-transferable (between 42 weeks of some form of paid leave tem, including a new funding model year contracts.
ber 19, is Ireland’s first ever cross- parents) paid parental leave in the during the first year of a child’s life. was also a significant area of action “Congress has consistently ques-
Departmental strategy to support first year of a child’s life, rising to “It will enhance families’ ability to signalling increased investment and tioned the feasibility of achieving bet-
babies, young children and their fam- seven weeks parental leave over a reconcile work and family life and en- more favourable working conditions ter early years services based on low
ilies. three year period from late 2019. able fathers to play a more active role which he suggested would help to at- pay and poor conditions and looks
Reacting to the plan, Congress This would be in addition to exist- in family responsibilities.” tract and retain staff in the sector. forward to an early resolution of this
Equality Officer David Joyce acknowl- ing schemes of 26 weeks paid mater- He said that Congress had long He continued: “Current investment significant barrier to achieving many
edged that it sets out an important nity leave and the recently held the position that such arrange- levels lag behind those of our EU of the objectives laid out in this strat-
roadmap on how to improve the lives introduced two weeks paternity ments should cover the full first year partners and result in exorbitant egy,” he added.
6 SHOPFLOOR y December 2018
NEWS
An all island trade union response to draft Withdrawal Agreement...
ICTU Assistant General Secretary Owen Reidy Picture: Congress
mains, the defence of the interests of have to use. However, a UK-wide
working people on the island of Ire- backstop with the entire UK in a cus-
land economically, politically, so- toms union is preferable to a North-
cially and culturally. For this to occur ern Ireland only backstop.
we need to ensure that any long We must insist that a ‘no deal’ sce-
term agreement or a backstop nario that sees the UK crash out of
The leadership of the all island trade
avoids: the EU at the end of March 2019
l A hardening of the border on
Agreement will still be less
“
union movement at its Executive
must be avoided at all costs and is
favourable than full UK membership We must insist that
meeting in Belfast on November 21,
the island of Ireland; unacceptable. The consequences of
l A border in the Irish Sea;
of the EU for working people across
considered its response to the draft a ‘no deal’ scenario such a ‘no deal’ Brexit would be cat-
these islands. l An economic border between
Withdrawal Agreement negotiated
astrophic.
The recent draft Withdrawal that sees the UK crash
between the EU and UK. This is
these islands. We must also insist that both gov-
Agreement is essentially the end of
ICTU’s response...
It is our view that the best way to ernments honour the full terms of
the beginning of the UK isolating it- out of the EU at the achieve this is to negotiate as close the letter and spirit of the
self from the EU. It also remains to be end of March 2019 must as possible a relationship between Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.
THE Irish Congress of Trade Unions seen if there is any real prospect of the UK and the EU; preferably with The Common Travel Area, and all
represents the interests of nearly this proposed agreement command- be avoided at all costs the UK as a whole remaining in the it entails, needs to become an inter-
800,000 workers on both sides of ing the support of the majority of MPs
the border across the island of Ire- in the House of Commons.
and is unacceptable. Single Market and a Customs Union
in the longer term.
national legally binding treaty be-
tween the Republic of Ireland and
land. Given that unique cross border We have always argued that if there The consequences Only by achieving this can we ar- the UK.
perspective, we campaigned against has to be a Brexit, it should be as soft rive at a situation where the rights of In the case of Northern Ireland,
Brexit. as possible given the very close na- of such a ‘no deal’ citizens and workers, and where the rights of citizens who choose to
We remain firmly of the view that ture of the 52% to 48% vote, as Brexit would be jobs and trade will not be impacted be British or Irish or both, need to be
there is no such thing as ‘a good clearly the UK is extremely divided on to a detrimental extent by this maintained and they also must have
catastrophic
”
Brexit for working people’ in North- the matter. In Northern Ireland the Brexit. the capacity to vindicate those im-
ern Ireland or in the Republic of Ire- majority of people voted to remain. A backstop is a fall-back position, portant rights. There must be a level
land. Any Brexit Withdrawal Our objective has been, and re- an insurance that you hope not to playing field for workers’ rights.
Retail JLC to be Tesco activists
retained after meet up to
Lab Court probe discuss strategy
FOLLOWING a recent investigation, TESCO activists have held meetings
the Labour Court has recom- in Kildare, left, and Limerick to dis-
mended that the Retail Grocery and cuss the ongoing frustrations
Allied Trades Joint Labour Commit- brought about by the company’s re-
tee (JLC) be retained. fusal to engage with their workers’
A JLC is a forum made up of em- representatives Mandate.
ployee and employer representa- Both were positive meetings with
tives that essentially sets a range of unanimous support voiced for an
statutory entitlements for retail escalation in the Tesco Workers To-
workers. gether campaign with an emphasis
Commenting on the move, Assis- on achieving pay equality with an
tant General Secretary Gerry Light increase in family-friendly roster-
said:“Mandate has recently submit- ing.
ted the names of its representatives The results of the Tesco Workers
to the Court. Survey as well as the pay claim for
“However, it is unlikely that the 2018 and 2019 were also discussed
committee will be up and running at the meetings. Expect some more
any time soon because the em- news on the Tesco campaign in the
ployer group has shown reluctance not so distant future as Mandate
to actively participate in the process prepares for a major campaign
over the past number of years.” within the company.
December 2018 y SHOPFLOOR 7
NEWS
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Understaffing causes stress but
Unanimous managers can help, here’s how...
vote for LEADERS and managers whose teams are
under-resourced could help prevent staff
way when their teams lacked technical ex-
pertise.
revised deal
burnout by behaving better, a new study has “But when they simply lacked the numbers
found. of staff to get a job done they reacted differ-
Joint research carried out by the Univer- ently with less empathy and this resulted in
sity of Salford in the UK and the University more stressful situations for their employees,
of Waterloo, Canada, looked at the impact potentially leading to lower productivity and
understaffing had on a group of workers. other issues associated with a stressful work
MANDATE members in A paper published in September in the environment – such as increased burnout.”
Nolan’s Supermarket, Clon- Journal of Occupational Health Psychology Prof Change pointed out that ultimately
tarf, have voted in favour of found that teams who were understaffed but the company would be impacted “as staff go
a 3% pay increase back- had a manager who took that into account on sick or leave, potentially making under-
dated to July 1, 2018. suffered from less burnout than teams that staffing even worse.”
The members also en- were understaffed but whose manager He added: “Although understaffing causes
dorsed a deal to cover any showed less consideration. stress and recently has become a norm in the
future introduction of Sun- Professor Kirk Chang, an expert in human workplace, managers can still help. Our find-
day trading should their resources at the University of Salford Busi- ings suggest managers should show more
employer opt to introduce ness School, outlined the research explain- empathy in all situation were their teams are
seven day opening. John Callan: join us call ing why its findings were so important. not appropriately resourced.”
Mandate and Nolan’s management brokered a He said: “There is evidence that under-
procedural agreement in August 2017. Following staffing is becoming more of a problem all
on from this, negotiations began in February 2018 the time but it hasn’t been studied to a great
to secure a pay rise for members in Nolan’s. degree before now, particularly the impact
Industrial Officer John Callan told Shopfloor: understaffing has on groups of workers.
“Following several meetings between both sides, “We do know that understaffing causes
a set of proposals was balloted on by our members great stress, burnout and health problems
in July 2108. These included the proposed intro- for workers, so we thought we would take a
duction of Sunday trading that made it compul- Picture: Alasdair (CC BY 2.0)
closer look.” Pressure at the checkout...
sory for all staff. These proposals were The team asked nearly 800 employees and Nearly 80% of those in the surveyed work
comprehensively rejected by our members. their bosses from 96 work groups employed groups claimed they felt stressed by under-
“Mandate argued that the proposed introduc- by four technology organisations about their staffing levels and they believed this was im-
tion of Sunday trading should be voluntary. After experiences and feelings. pacting on their work performance.
the overwhelming rejection of these proposals at They split the understaffing problem into Prof Chang claimed there were important
a very well attended meeting of our members, fur- two categories: one where there is inade- lessons to be gleaned from the study.
ther negotiations reconvened.” quate staffing levels available to do a job and He said: “We found that when there was an
Mr Callan explained that following these addi- the other where there is not enough expert- issue with managers and the way they re-
tional talks, new proposals were finalised in Sep- ise to get a job done. Both situations can acted when faced with understaffing. They
tember and voted on the following month. cause stress in the workplace. would react in a more emotional, empathetic Picture: Sari Montage (CC BY-SA 2.0)
These were:
l 3% pay increase backdated to
MALAHIDE GOLF CLUB
July 1, 2018;
l Introduction of Sunday trading
on a voluntary basis;
l The rate of pay will be time plus
International standard
one third;
l Level of rostering for Sundays to
be be dependent on rostering
needed on workplace
needs but will likely be no less
than one week in three;
l Present arrangements for
Christmas Sunday to remain for
violence against women
staff. THE Irish Congress of Trade Unions wiped out by employers, unions and
When put to the vote, the proposals has joined with the European Trade union members.”
were unanimously accepted by mem- Union Confederation (ETUC) and the Mr Joyce explained that an ILO
bers. Mr Callan commented: “Al- International Trade Union Confeder- Convention could complement exist-
though these negotiations were ation (ITUC) in a call on all govern- ing EU and national law requiring all
difficult the local shop steward and ments and employers to back a workplaces to put in place proce-
house committee were determined to strong and inclusive international dures for dealing with violence and
secure a deal. labour standard on violence and ha- harassment victims’ rights and ensur-
“I would also encourage staff who rassment in the world of work. ing perpetrators face sanctions.
are not already in the union in The call came on the UN’s Interna- He added: “It could make a huge
Nolan’s to join at www.joinmandate.ie to tional Day for the Elimination of Vio- difference to the lives of those living
help us secure yet more success in lence against Women, which takes in countries with no such laws.”
Driving up pay even in small employments
Connect
this employment.” place on November 25 every year. ITUC General Secretary Sharan
“We know that some EU govern- Burrow said: “Violence and harass-
MANDATE members in Malahide Golf Club received a 2% increase ments are looking to water down text ment costs lives and livelihoods. It af-
with
in basic pay on October 1, 2018. This 2% was part of a 3% increase that was agreed this year,” Congress fects millions of women and their
secured by the union in 2017 with staff receiving the first 1% in- Equality Officer, David Joyce told families.
Shopfloor.
Mandate
crease backdated to October 2017 in February this year. “Next year, the ILO has the oppor-
Industrial officer John Callan said: “This increase for members “We hope they will change course tunity to take a huge step towards a
working at the golf club shows how even in smaller employments, and that the Irish Government will world of work free from violence and
Mandate can secure meaningful increases in pay. I’d like to thank continue to play a constructive role in harassment.
the local Mandate house committee for their support and effort in the negotiations. With support from “We are calling on governments
www.mandate.ie negotiating this well-deserved 3% pay increase.” governments, violence against and employers to join us in aiming
Picture: William Murphy (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Picture: Rodrigo Senna (CC BY 2.0) women in the world of work can be high.”
8 SHOPFLOOR y December 2018
NEWS
APPEAL JOSEPH MURPHY LTD, BALLINA BOOTS
Mandate retired
members branch Strike averted as workers Dispensers group
meet management
win improved deal on pay...
THE first meeting has taken place
hopes to expand between the recently-formed Dis-
pensers National Negotiating Team
and management at Boots during
MANDATE’S retirement branch has which a range of issues relevant to
already held a number of meetings the grade was discussed. Further
in recent months and has decided talks are expected in the near fu-
MANDATE had issued strike notice of met with considerable resistance
to expand. ture.
a full-day stoppage on Thursday, De- from members at the wholesaler.
The branch is looking for former
cember 6 at longstanding wholesaler North West Divisional Organiser
Ciaran Campbell told Shopfloor: “The DEBENHAMS
Mandate members who have re-
Joseph Murphy Ltd, Ballina.
tired to join and discuss issues of
But, according to Mandate sources, members felt so strongly on these
relevance, including the public
healthcare system, the pension sys-
tem, housing, mental health, etc.
the strike was suspended at the last
moment after the employer made an
points that at the last number of Gen-
eral Meetings I had with them, they
Store closures top
Margaret O’Dwyer told
Shopfloor: “We hope to be active in
improved offer of a 3% pay increase
as well as the maintenance of the VHI
were very exercised that the com-
pany was not putting a real and tan- agenda at meeting
Scheme. gible offer on the table that they
lobbying government departments
The welcome move, which was re- could accept. MANDATE’S National Negotiating
vealed as this issue of Shopfloor goes
and state agencies on issues of con-
“I have to add that they were very Team met recently with senior man-
cern to retired people. We will also
to press, follows successful represen- resolved on ensuring that the com- agement representatives at Deben-
engage with other retirement
tations by the union in the past that pany paid them some respect on both hams.
groups throughout the country,
clawed back a 10% pay cut imple- these points – they wanted a mean- The principal reason for the
and of course we will actively sup-
mented to ensure the firm’s survival. ingful pay rise and they wanted those meeting was to deal with rumours
port Mandate and continue to par-
Mandate had insisted that its mem- staff that are so entitled to be imme- about the poor state of the business
ticipate in the growth of the union.”
bers were intent on winning a “mean- diately entered on to the staff VHI at the retailer after it was disclosed
Membership is open to all retired
ingful” pay claim that addressed pay Scheme which appears to be a con- that store closures were likely.
members of Mandate whether they
lost over those years as well as recog- tractual right after 15 years service.” According to the union, while no
are on a private or state pension. Ciaran Campbell: ‘Real and tangible offer needed’
nising the contribution made by em- He pointed out that more than 80% firm guarantees were given over
If you would like to know more, Mr Campbell added: “It goes to
ployees to maintaining the business. of Mandate members at the whole- whether any of the 50 potential
telephone 01 8746321 or email show, being in a trade union and
Also, the company’s now-shelved saler had voted on all offers and ulti- stores closures would occur locally,
Margaret O’Dwyer at being prepared to take action does
proposal to ‘park’ staff entitled entry mately the ballot of industrial action. management remained positive
modwyer8@eircom.net or dgib- lead to the best outcome for work-
on to a company VHI Scheme and/or However, the ballot in favour of the about the relative performance of
ney@mandate.ie ers.”
a buy-out of the same scheme had new deal was 100%. the business in Ireland.
ICTU sub-committee covering CO URSE!
NEW CO
URSE!
NE W
retail/distribution established
A NEW retail and distribution sub-
committee has been set up under the
auspices of the ICTU private sector
committee.
tion sectors. So far the following
areas have been identified: new tech-
nology, online sales and Brexit.
Assistant General Secretary Gerry
Recruitment & Organising
The initiative, which is made up of Light commented: “It is hoped the
relevant unions from across Ireland sub-committee will be able to bring This three day course is designed to provide trade union activists with
north and south, will attempt to ad- some specialist expertise and knowl-
dress a number of issues currently edge to future decision and policy the knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to and participate in
impacting on the retail and distribu- making within ICTU.”
their unions Recruitment & Organising strategy.
Course Content:
FINE GAEL’S VANISHING ORGANS P35
l Building workers power
l Engaging workers
l Talking to the undecided
TESCO
Mandate awaits Pre-96 l Handling objections
l Base building and
claim date in Lab Court
THE outstanding pay claim for 8%, by the employer across all industrial
collective action,
identifying and recruiting leaders
l Mapping (workplace and community)
l Understanding power
linked to the Pre-96 wage claim, has relations issues in the future.”
been submitted to the Labour Court Meanwhile, the Tesco 2018 pay
and Mandate is currently awaiting and benefits claim has been referred
confirmation of a date for hearing. to the Labour Court. It follows the re-
Assistant General Secretary Gerry tailer’s failure to collectively engage Certification and Progression:
Light claimed this was “yet another on the claim lodged earlier this year.
example” of Tesco management’s re- The claim includes: Members who successfully complete this training
fusal to collectively engage with the l 3% cost-of-living pay rise; course will obtain a Mandate Certificate.
union “on an issue of importance to l Pay equalisation – a plan to
our members”. move all workers to the highest Places are limited. As there is a high demand for this course please
He said: “All members should take hourly pay rate; ensure you contact your Mandate Union Official or the Mandate Training
notice of this because if it is allowed l More full-time jobs.
to go unchallenged this approach will Mandate is currently awaiting con-
Centre on 01-8369699 or email mandateotc@mandate.ie to secure your place.
undoubtedly be increasingly adopted firmation of a hearing date.
December 2018 y SHOPFLOOR 9
PERSPECTIVES
NEWS
OPINION
Retail is changing fast - it’s time to get smart
VIEW SHOPFLOOR
AS WE fast approach the end of
from
ciety in which much of the profits lier this year.
another year it is becoming in-
the
are generated. Despite the appalling attack on
creasingly obvious that the mas-
These global retail giants have a store-based retail jobs that is oc-
sive changes in the world of
Gerry Light
vision of the future which does not curring and the mischievous at-
retail show no sign of abating. It
have workers, either from an opera- tempt by some employers to
Assistant General Secretary
is also clear that retail workers
tional or ethical perspective, at its suggest that retained workers will
Mandate Trade Union
are suffering as a result of these
core. For example, Walmart, the be given more responsibility along
with many paying the ultimate
biggest brick and mortar retailer in with hollow fancy job titles the re-
price of losing their jobs, while
the US, has just opened its new fu- ality is that this will occur alongside
those who remain in employ-
years has been significant would be rose by more than 4,400 in the first turistic store design concept Sam’s a reduction in pay and job security
ment are working harder for less
an understatement with the latest six months of 2018. Club. with corresponding increases in
appreciation and reward.
figures showing a year-on-year All of these regressive develop- This is how CEO Jamie Iannone productivity and precarious work.
It is an indisputable fact that the
growth of 20% which represents ments are happening prior to the described it:“There won’t be another It is only a matter of time before
job losses that occur as a conse-
12% of all retail spending or, in real full impact of Brexit with many oc- club like it. It will be a mobile-first workers themselves come to re-
money terms, €5 billion of the entire
quence will be far greater than any
curring now in anticipation of a shopping experience powered by alise that the dream of the future
€40 billion spend is now purchased
numbers likely to be created in the
worse case scenario. Despite the lack the new Sam’s Club Now app. At its that is being peddled by certain
future.
online. of clear detail at this time we can be core Sam’s Club Now will be a tech- employers is not capable of being
As previously outlined in this col-
These statistics are obviously con- sure what ultimately unfolds will not nology lab that doubles as a live, re- realised because their own lived
umn the main drivers of change
cerning from the perspective of re- be positive as it will result in down- tail club. It’s where we will incubate, experiences could not be further
are the growth in human replace-
tail workers. However, they also ward pressure on workers’ rights and test and refine technologies to help from truth.
ment technology and the shift to
represent a stark threat to our public wages and a general decrease in liv- define the future of retail.” Recently we have seen worker
shopping online away from brick
finances in lost taxation because ing standards. In turn we are likely to He continued: “…workers in the unrest at two of the biggest global
and mortar stores. To say the shift
60% of all online sales are now done see greater pressure on social wel- new store will be called ‘Member non-union firms, namely Google
to online in the past number of
outside the country. fare because of increases in part- Hosts’ and will operate as the and Amazon, where employees
In Ireland we have already started time and precarious work. ‘Concierges’ of the club who will be took action because of the blatant
to see the negative impact with a Beyond the UK we are also wit- empowered with the new technol- failure of their employer to deliver
small number of retail businesses nessing the emergence of potential ogy.” What Mr Iannone does not on the false promises and stan-
deciding to either exit the market or global retail alliances that when fully highlight is the fact that prior to the dards they were sold as the core
cut hours and jobs. With so many of formed will aggressively prioritise roll out of the new store concept, principles of the corporate model
the big brands headquartered in the the pursuit of profit over worker wel- more than 11,000 jobs were cut in a in which they work.
UK a more revealing and worrying fare or any loyalty to the State or so- major restructuring programme ear- The message here is clear –
picture is evolving when you take workers are every bit as smart as
stock of what is happening across the modern working environ-
the Irish Sea. ments they currently operate in.
The latest figures reveal that some They should not be taken for
85,000 retail jobs have been culled granted and there is a breaking
in the first nine months of the year. point beyond which they will not
This has happened as a result of go. What employers must realise
businesses either going to the wall this is true of both unionised and
or reducing their overall store base. non-union workforces. What
A deeper examination of the UK workers must realise is the most
figures show that nearly 1,000 retail effective way of channelling the
businesses went into administra- disquiet that will inevitably arise
tion between January and Sep- is through the power of the collec-
tember. Consequently the tive that comes from being a
number of empty retail premises member of a trade union.
Picture: Mike Mozart (CC BY 2.0)
Introducing Mandate’s new...
Workplace Leadership Training
l Are you an experienced trade union activist? l Are you also interested in learning and
developing leadership & and enhancing your confidence and competence as a trade union activist?
Mandate is delighted to offer a new (part-time) one-year certificate programme in Workplace Leadership. This innovative programme is aimed at experienced trade union activists.
The overall aims of the programme are to develop the key competencies, skills and attributes essential for activists to succeed in their roles as workplace leaders.
Course Content: Programme delivery: Certification and Progression:
l Unlocking your leadership potential This part-time programme starts in September 2019 Participants who successfully complete this programme of learning
l Personal Development and will be delivered as a blended learning model will receive a Mandate Diploma in Workplace Leadership.
l Media Skills involving attendance on approximately six days
l Understanding the changing context of retail (one per session), with self-directed learning, Places are limited. As there is a high demand for this course
l How effective change happens or doesn’t! together with practical and project work please ensure you contact your Mandate Union Official
l Developing others taking place between attendances. or the Mandate Training Centre on 01-8369699 or
l Handling conflict Application forms will be available in March 2019. email mandateotc@mandate.ie to secure your place.
10 SHOPFLOOR y December 2018ACTIVISM
They have left us a
legacy that we are
duty bound to fulfil...
Mandate activist Denise Curran (right) was one of the keynote
speakers at the recent launch of the Sligo/Leitrim Council of Trade
Unions. She took the opportunity not only to welcome this latest
development in her home town but importantly referred back to the
historic legacy bequeathed to current trade union and community
activists in the area. Here his an edited version of that speech…
IT IS only fitting that the Sligo and Lloyds Pharmacy dispute whereby by all levels of company manage-
Leitrim trade unions council is prop- Mandate’s presence on that employ- ment.
erly organised and active in a manner ment’s pitch ensured improved This clearly sends out the signal
that can deliver for our workers and wages and terms and conditions, but that Tesco is no longer prepared to
their communities. This relaunch will ultimately fell short of union recogni- entertain organised collective repre-
hopefully do that. tion. sentations which is de facto de-recog-
The Sligo and Leitrim areas are While we haven’t gone away, it is nition of Mandate Trade Union. It is
steeped in historic worker and class difficult to comprehend how major for this reason that Mandate is con-
struggles ably led and personified by companies such as Lloyds Pharmacy
sidering serving official strike notice
the likes of Countess Markievicz, Jim – which as part of the McKeeson Cor-
Gralton and Patrick Dunbar, to name poration, the largest pharmaceutical on this outlet for whole day work
but a few. They – and others like them company in the world, rakes in prof- stoppages during December.
– have left us a legacy that we are its of €11 billion per year – are legally Again with this timely relaunch of
duty bound to continue and fulfil. allowed to ignore not only licensed the Sligo and Leitrim Trade Unions
Unfortunately the struggles they trade unions, but worryingly govern- Council, we would appreciate your
waged and the reasons for doing so ment institutions such as the Labour support in this struggle.
are as alive and important today as Court over recognising unions. We are here to help ourselves as
they were then. Irish workers – irre- A similar situation has recently de- trade unions, the workers and com-
spective of [whether they are in the] veloped with Mandate and the large munities we represent. If organised
public or private sector, their creed, gambling operator Paddy Power we have the means to do so. It won’t
colour, gender and background – are where, like Lloyds, this company has be easy and I’ve no doubt we will en-
in engaged in a daily class struggle stated it will not recognise Mandate counter many setbacks but, as I’ve
against the oppressive neo-liberal but possibly may talk with another stated, we have inherited an impor-
economics that is cast as the only way union. These type of scenarios are tant legacy that compels us to use all
forward. reminiscent of the 1913 Lockout. our means and resources to achieve
That economic agenda has at its Similar non-recognition of Man-
our, and our predecessors’, goals.
core and face, profit. The relentless date currently exists within Irish re-
pursuit of that profit undermines and tailer Dunnes and, as we speak, it is Cissy Cahalane, President of Man-
strips our workers of their hard-won currently becoming the case with my date’s predecessor union IDATU, once
terms and conditions, their many col- own employer Tesco Ireland Ltd. said: “The root principle of a trade
lective agreements and ultimately In the last year in the Tesco Sligo union is not that of piling up capital
trade union recognition. We, in Man- store we have lodged two collective but of improving the conditions of
date, are facing these workplace grievances in line with the company’s employment and lifting the worker to
struggles on a daily basis. own collective grievance procedures. a higher state of existence.” This has
We have recently witnessed the These have been absolutely ignored never been so apt as is now.
l Starting from scratch this course helps you to improve your
communications skills.
l Courses are open to members who have not achieved their
Training Course
Leaving Certificate or who have an out of date Leaving Certificate.
(QQI Level 3)
Communication Skills:
For those who want to brush up on their writing and spelling skills while
also developing personal and interpersonal skills which are important for dealing
with workplace and personal situations.
DO YOU HAVE A DESIRE TO IMPROVE YOUR
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS? BUT NEVER GOT AROUND TO IT? Evening Courses take place one evening per week for
a duration of 12 weeks in a venue near your workplace.
Mandate Trade Union in conjunction with Skills for Work
is offering funded training. The courses are to encourage members back If you are interested please contact Mandate’s Training Centre
on 01-836 9699 or by email mandateotc@mandate.ie
into learning and training whilst aiming
towards a QQI Level 3 Award.
Check out www.mandate.ie for further training courses
Places are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Courses are delivered by the Education and Training Board in a location near your workplace.
December 2018 y SHOPFLOOR 11You can also read
