Staff at the Dunnes Stores branch in Ballyvolane have reserved the right to strike from Monday, December 3.

Management at the branch were informed of its staff members intentions by SIPTU yesterday, Wednesday, November 14, following a successful application for strike action.

The sanctioning of strike action follows last weeks balloting of more then 100 union members in the wake of alleged workplace bullying by management. Last weeks ballot results showed overwhelming support in favour of industrial action.

Staff at the branch, which is one of the busiest in Cork, are now entitled to undertake a one-day workplace stoppage with just 24-hours notice. The decision by staff to strike will come as a blow to Dunnes Stores as they prepare for the expected busy Christmas-period, particularly as the Ballyvolane branch operates a 24 hour supermarket during the weekend.

Eddie Mullins, SIPTU Sectorial Organiser, said yesterday that despite staff reserving the right to strike, the union were still open to discussing the issue in a formal matter with management at the branch. “We’ve gotten sanction for the strike and we have formerly advised the company by giving them two weeks notice in a letter.

“However, we have also included in that letter the fact that we are still very much open and available for discussions. If we can prevent the strike we absolutely will. We would much prefer our members to be working in the run up to Christmas. We have tried to deal with the issue in a reasonable manner but it’s up to Dunnes Stores now.”

Management at the Dunnes Stores head office and the Ballyvolane branch declined to comment on the situation.

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