Dunnes Stores workers have lodged a pay claim with the company seeking pay increases, additional annual leave days, improvements to the staff discount scheme and the creation of full-time jobs.
The workers are citing increased living costs and the positive contribution of staff to the business during the pandemic.
"Workers all over the country are struggling right now, yet many employers, like Dunnes Stores, are capable of paying higher wages and improving conditions of employment," said Patrick Killeen, Dunnes worker from Mayo, and member of Mandate Trade Union's Dunnes National Committee.
"Those that can pay, should pay," he added
Workers say they want a new pay scale, which would see those on the lowest point of the scale receiving a 7.7% hourly pay increase and those on the top getting a 7.9% increase.
"There are multiple pay scales in Dunnes Stores where some workers are on higher wages than others for doing the exact same job," said
Mandate National Coordinator Lorraine O’Brien said: "We want to harmonise the pay and benefits for all Dunnes workers but we want to ensure pay equality is done in a way that brings the lowest earners up to the top."
In May, Tesco Ireland announced an overall 10% pay increase for staff that covers 2021, 2022 and 2023.
