Mandate Members – Tesco Paul St.

REF:  JOD/JOR

13^th January 2022

Mr  David Mc Carthy
Store Manager
Tesco
Paul St.
Cork

By email and post: 

Re: Incident in Store on Friday 7^th January 2022

Dear Mr. Mc Carthy

Following multiple calls from our members in store, all of whom have stated their extreme concern and fear for their individual and collective health, safety and wellbeing while attending work due to the above mentioned incident, I am requested to address this issue with the company as a matter of priority.

I have seen sight of a video of the incident which shows that staff and customers in store were not just verbally abused but also one member of staff was physically assaulted.

I am informed the incident took place after 8pm on the evening of Friday 7^th January and that the Security Staff in store had finished for the day at 5pm, leaving no security presence in store for the remaining five hours of trade.

I cannot stress enough how we in Mandate Trade Union regard the health, safety and wellbeing of the members as one of our highest priorities and I would have hoped the same could be said for the company. I am sure you are aware of the obligations of the company to its workers under Health & Safety legislation, however regrettably because of this incident and the fact there was no security presence in the store at the time, this has now been called into question.

This incident clearly demonstrates the need for a constant security presence in the Paul Street store for every hour the store trades, most particularly because the store is City Centre based which brings with it a particular set of challenges.

While I am aware the Shop Steward in store has engaged with you on Monday 10^th January, our members believe that what occurred was so serious that it warrants correspondence from this Office.                                                                          

We must impress upon you the need to ensure that a security presence is maintained in store for all trading hours with immediate effect. In addition, we are seeking assurances that insofar as possible all necessary steps will be taken to protect the safety and health of our members at work.

Your response by return is requested and should you wish to speak to me directly, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Yours sincerely
For Mandate Trade Union

John O’ Donnell
Industrial Officer Organiser

cc.   All Members
       Mr. Damien Geraghty, Area Manager