The Dunnes Stores branch in Irishtown, Athlone.

Trade union welcomes 5% pay increase for Dunnes Stores workers

Mandate Trade Union announced today that Dunnes Stores workers have secured a five percent pay increase, following continued campaigning by its members.

In a statement this afternoon (Wednesday), the trade union said the latest pay increase represented "a significant achievement" for Dunnes Stores workers, and followed "a series of wins" over the past four years, during which employees of the company have seen their pay rise by more than 29 per cent compared with January 2020.

Mandate has also urged the retail chain to engage on the outstanding elements of a '2024 pay and benefits claim', which was developed with input from Dunnes workers and endorsed at a national meeting of activists on November 5 last.

Commenting on the pay increase, Jim Fuery, Interim Assistant General Secretary of Mandate, said: "This 5% increase is a win for Dunnes workers and a testament to what can be achieved when workers stand together.

"It builds on the progress we have made in recent years, which has delivered a cumulative 29% pay increase since 2020.

"However, there is still work to do to ensure that workers receive the full recognition and benefits they deserve."

Mandate highlighted that key aspects of the pay and benefits claim remain unaddressed, particularly a "lack of progress" on paid maternity and paternity leave.

"Providing paid maternity and paternity leave, improving sick leave, additional annual leave, and recognising the role of union representation are essential for building a better workplace for everyone," added Mr Fuery.

Mandate said it had formally written to Dunnes Stores, welcoming the pay increase but urging the company to build on this progress by working with the union to address the remaining aspects of the claim.