SIPTU has served strike notice on Tesco stores in the midlands because of the company's new pay structure, which offers staff in the larger cities £16 a week more than those in the provinces. The union's regional secretary, Mr John Kane, said last night SIPTU was not prepared to accept a situation where workers operated within a two-tier system.
He said Tesco was charging the same prices in the provinces as in the larger cities. "They are making huge profits and can well afford to pay everyone the same rate."
SIPTU has served strike notice on Tesco branches in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Cavan and on two branches in Athlone for next Monday. Strike notice has been served on the Edenderry branch for next Monday week.
The decision follows a Labour Court recommendation last week upholding an agreement already reached between Tesco and Mandate over pay rates. Mandate, which represents 9,000 Tesco employees, compared with 600 represented by SIPTU, has written to the latter union complaining of Mr Kane's tactics.
In the deal between Mandate and Tesco, the 42 existing grades in the multiple were reduced to two, with provision for a further review in two years. It also provided for pay increases of between 4 per cent and 30 per cent.
The Labour Court recommendation proposed some minor adjustments to the agreement between Mandate and Tesco, but essentially said that it should stand.