M&S staff vote to avoid further strike action

Workers at Marks & Spencer yesterday (Thursday) voted in favour of a Labour Court recommendation which averted further strike action at the chain's Irish stores.

Mandate Trade Union and SIPTU members in Marks & Spencer favoured the Labour Court's recommendation by a margin of 97%.

A statement issued by Mandate said the court's recommendation involves 'the central concern expressed by the unions that they were unable to deal with the company’s cost cutting plans due to lack of access to financial information.'

The unions have now written to the company seeking immediate engagement due to the tight time-frames set by the Labour Court.

Gerry Light, Mandate Assistant General Secretary said: “Our members have again shown themselves to be a reasonable and responsible workforce and have overwhelmingly endorsed the Labour Court Recommendation.

'It’s now vitally important that the company liaise with the unions appointed accountants as soon as possible in order to end this protracted dispute.”