The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has invited Mandate Trade Union and Tesco Ireland into conciliation talks next Wednesday (18^th May 2016) in an effort to resolve the ongoing dispute. 

Following confirmation that Tesco has agreed to withdraw their threat to make changes to workers’ conditions of employment on Monday, 16^th May, Mandate has agreed to suspend industrial action pending the outcome of conciliation talks.

Mandate Assistant General Secretary Gerry Light said, “Mandate has always said we are prepared to engage with Tesco in good faith negotiations, either directly, or at a third party such as the WRC or the Labour Court, and that remains the case.”

He added, “We believe this dispute can be resolved at the WRC or Labour Court but Tesco have to be willing to engage in good faith negotiations too.” 

Mandate say they are continuing to prepare for industrial action in the event talks break down on Wednesday.