Date: 20th December 2021
To: All Members Brookes SuperValu Youghal
Re: Pay and Benefits Claim 2021
Dear Member
Please see copy of further correspondence sent to company regarding above matter for your information.
Yours sincerely
for Mandate Trade Union
Lorraine O’ Brien
Divisional Organiser
By email and post:
REF: LOB/JOR
20th December 2021
Mr. Ken Brookes
Director
Brookes Supervalu
T/A Blackwater Retailing Ltd.
142 North Main St.
Youghal
Co. Cork
Re: Pay and Benefits Claim 2021
Dear Ken
I refer to our initial correspondence of 3rd February 2021 in the above regard, Mandate’s subsequent correspondence in respect of pay and the meeting held with the company on 17th June 2021.
At the outset of the meeting the company provided financial information relating to the business which ultimately resulted in a pay offer which was not in any way acceptable to the union side. On that basis management requested that we adjourn until the stocktake in mid October after which the company would have a better indication as to how the business had performed following the summer season. Mandate agreed to the request however, it was made very clear that our members have high expectations in respect of pay given the last pay agreement expired in May 2018.
Moreover, our members have gone without a pay increase for over three years and this year has seen the highest inflation figures in recent years across a number of sectors including transport, fuel, housing, rent, energy costs, heating, electricity and hospitality. For low paid workers the impact on actual spending power is massive and therefore our members cannot afford to forego a pay increase any longer.
It is extremely disappointing that we have made no progress on the subject of pay and are still waiting for the results of the stocktake which took place a number of months ago. As far as our members are concerned, the subject of pay remains live and we intend to pursue the matter further if necessary.
I am now seeking re-engagement at the earliest opportunity to address our pay claim and would appreciate if you would contact the undersigned to arrange a meeting early in the New Year.
Yours sincerely
For Mandate Trade Union
Lorraine O’ Brien
Divisional Organiser
cc. All Members
Mr. Tommy Smyth, TSA Consultants