SIPTU accuses Tesco Ireland of withdrawing from pay talks

SIPTU has accused Tesco Ireland of walking away from pay talks with the union and instead unilaterally introducing changes to workers’ pay and conditions.

Last week, the supermarket chain announced a 3% pay increase for most of its hourly paid workers as part of a €14m investment in pay and benefits.

The company also announced an increase in paid maternity, adoptive and paternity leave.

SIPTU said that its representatives put forward proposals concerning a new pay agreement to management at a recent meeting but that these were ignored.

“This is a retrograde step by the company and will result in a response by SIPTU members,” said SIPTU Sector Organiser Denis Sheridan.

“The SIPTU Tesco National Committee will meet in the coming days to consider all options open to it as a consequence of this unacceptable development,” Mr Sheridan said.

SIPTU Tesco Shop Steward Catherine Smith said that the staff she represents were disappointed by the move.

“This is a very damaging development for relations between staff and management in the company,” Ms Smith said.

Tesco Ireland has been contacted for comment.