Strike action by 600 workers at Tesco supermarkets in the midlands, which was to begin yesterday, was called off after workers voted to accept a deal reached between their union and employer.
The dispute centred on a twotier pay structure, whereby staff in larger cities got £16 a week more than those in the provinces. Strike notice had been served on Tesco branches in Portlaoise, Mullingar, Cavan, Edenderry and Athlone.
The new pay structure had been accepted by Mandate, representing 9,000 Tesco employees, but SIPTU, with 600 workers, held out for a better deal.
The package for Mandate and SIPTU workers has cost Tesco £15 million, and increases average 11 per cent, weighted towards the lower paid.