Mandate trade union has penned a letter to Frank Dunne and Margaret Heffernan of Dunnes Stores seeking clarification on whether the retailer is up for sale.
The letter reads: "Over the past number of days, we have been made aware by many sources that an announcement is imminent regarding the future structure/ownership of the Dunnes business in the Republic of Ireland.
"Clearly this type of speculation creates unnecessary anxiety amongst our members and indeed the entire Dunnes workforce. Therefore, I am sure they would appreciate and support the purpose of this correspondence, which is to afford you the opportunity to deal with the persistent rumours that are currently circulating."
The letter was written by Mandate's assistant general secretary Gerry Light and CCed to 'all Dunnes Members, Activists, Officials and Organisers'.
According to the Irish Independent, the letter follows what have been described as 'strange goings-on' at the retailer, which includes the changing of delivery schedules and the removal of emblems from particular stores.
Dunnes, for its part, continues to be busy on the acquisition front, having received clearance last Friday from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission for its takeover of Whelan Food & Meat Processors and Tipperary Sustainable Food Company Limited.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
