Tesco Ireland is facing backlash from the Mandate trade union after limiting pay increases to 3%, a figure deemed insufficient by workers given the company’s significant profitability in Ireland.
Mandate has accused the retail giant of bypassing collective bargaining and imposing pay awards without proper consultation, a move the union describes as unacceptable.
The dispute arises despite Tesco Ireland recently announcing improved family leave policies, including extended paid maternity, adoptive, and paternity leave. While these changes have been welcomed, they have done little to address the union’s core concerns over pay and negotiation practices. Mandate has called out the company for failing to fully engage with workers through collective discussions, instead opting for unilateral decisions that, according to the union, fall short of fair treatment.
Tesco Ireland, however, has defended its position, stating that it participated in independently-mediated talks with staff representatives and trade unions over the past year. These discussions, the company claims, were aimed at establishing a framework for timely and conclusive outcomes on issues like pay. Tesco argues that this approach is designed to improve future negotiations, benefitting all parties involved.
Despite these assurances, Mandate remains unconvinced, insisting that Tesco must acknowledge the importance of collective bargaining and offer pay increases that reflect its strong financial performance. The conflict underscores growing tensions between corporations and trade unions in Ireland as workers push for wages and conditions that align with corporate success and increasing living costs
