THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST trade union has said it will commence a campaign to seek increased pay for staff in the retail sector, after one of Ireland’s largest traders agreed to increase staff pay ahead of a Labour Court hearing.

Dunnes Stores was due to attend a hearing at the Labour Court yesterday, after both SIPTU and Mandate served a pay claim seeking a 3 per cent increase in wages for hop staff.

Dunnes informed the unions on Wednesday, however, that it had agreed to the 3 per cent increase in line with the unions’ demands.

This afternoon SIPTU welcomed the news, and said it would use the development as a launch pad to seek increased wages at other retails.

“SIPTU welcomes this development on behalf of our members who continue to work tirelessly for their employer, despite continued pressure to alter their work practices and against the backdrop of reduced hours,” said union organiser Graham Macken.

“The acceptance of this pay claim by Dunnes Stores is good news for workers in the retail sector and follows a number of similar increases at other retailers including Tesco, Marks and Spencer and Debenhams.

“This highlights the profitability of these businesses despite the increased pressure on sales. We will continue to pursue similar increases from other employers in the retail sector.”

Read: Dunnes Stores 14,000 staff to get 3% pay rise

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