Staff at over 70 Tesco outlets across Ireland had planned a strike on Monday 16 May, following confirmation from the company that they would be implementing pay cuts and changes to employment conditions on that date.

However, Tesco has since agreed to withdraw its plan to change workers’ conditions of employment on this date, in light of which the Mandate Trade Union has agreed to suspend industrial action pending the outcome of conciliation talks in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Wednesday 18 May.

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.”

The mandate union said it is continuing to prepare for industrial action in the event that talks break down on Wednesday.

Tesco strike planned for next week deferred

The strike planned by Tesco workers for Monday 16 May has been deferred due to Tesco management agreeing not to change workers' conditions of employment on that date.