Tesco Ireland has called on Mandate to accept the Labour Court’s Recommendation on changes to pre-1996 terms and conditions, according to a recent statement issued by the retail giant.
Reportedly, the change affects less than 280 people out of a 14,500 strong workforce and follows 12 months of negotiations on the compensation for the alteration.
The statement outlines that it is 'the only employer in the food retail sector to recognise trade unions, offering above market rates of pay, conditions, benefits and careers. We operate in an intensely competitive market against non-unionised retailers.'
According to a Tesco spokesperson, “There is an onus on Mandate to abide by the outcomes of the Labour Court and we are shocked that Mandate has rejected the Recommendation which the Union had sought. Mandate are misguiding our colleagues by suggesting that there are other alternatives to the Labour Court Recommendation. Our business must be able to meet the needs of our customers.”
Tesco stated that following discussions last year, they highlighted that they wanted to implement change.
“From the outset of discussions over a year ago, we were clear on the need to make this change: the pre-1996 terms and conditions were agreed over 21 years ago before late nights, Sunday openings and online shopping. We want to improve our customer service but these terms are no longer suitable as we have too many people working during the earlier quieter times of the week and this also creates unfairness between colleagues. We have always said that we will compensate colleagues for this change,” Tesco added.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
