Workers at busy Newbridge Tesco to go on strike next week

Staff at Tesco in Newbridge have voted to go on strike next week.

The busy superstore off the Moorefield Road is expected to remain open to local customers despite the pickets outside.

Shops in Carlow, Dun Laoghaire and Ballinasloe will also join colleagues at 16 other stores on the picket line.

All of the shops have so far remained open for business.

The dispute was sparked over Tesco wanting to move 250 staff recruited before 1996 onto less favourable contracts but Mandate insists the change would hit workers in terms of both pay and conditions.

Tesco urged Mandate to re-think its strike and to accept an existing Labour Court Recommendation to end the dispute.

But Mandate General Secretary John Douglas says the recommendation on its own won't resolve their issues.

A further 13 stores will be balloted on strike over the next two days according to Mandate.

Gerry Light, Mandate Assistant General Secretary the strike will get underway next Monday in four additional stores as will continue in the 16 stores where it is currently underway.”