Dunnes Stores workers have secured a 5% pay increase following a union campaign, the Mandate Trade Union announced on Wednesday.
This latest increase marks a significant achievement for Dunnes workers, and it follows a series of wins that have seen colleague pay increase by more than 29% since January 2020.
The increase is a positive step and reflects the hard work and dedication of Dunnes workers, who, Mandate noted, ‘have consistently delivered for the company.’
However, the union highlighted outstanding elements that remain unaddressed for staff, such as the lack of progress on paid maternity and paternity leave.
Mandate noted that a number of retailer competitors have introduced paid leave for new parents, and that Dunnes should surely follow.
Tesco Ireland, for example, announced in November extensions to fully paid maternity, paternity and adoptive leave for employees with over 12 months’ service.
The union formally wrote to Dunnes Stores, welcoming the pay increase, but urging the retailer to build on this progress by working with Mandate to extend benefits.
Mandate cited the 2024 Pay & Benefits Claim, which was developed with input from Dunnes workers and endorsed at a national meeting of activists on 5 November 2024.
It called for the company to engage with the outstanding elements of the claim.
‘There Is Still Work To Do’
Speaking on the pay increase, the interim assistant general secretary of Mandate, Jim Furey, said, “This 5% increase is a win for Dunnes workers and a testament to what can be achieved when workers stand together.
“It builds on the progress we have made in recent years, which has delivered a cumulative 29% pay increase since 2020.
“However, there is still work to do to ensure that workers receive the full recognition and benefits they deserve.”
“Dunnes workers are proud of this pay increase, but they also expect their employer to show leadership in the retail sector.
“Providing paid maternity leave and paternity leave, improving sick leave, additional annual leave, and recognising the role of union representation are essential for building a better workplace for everyone.”
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