An Iceland worker has said that challenging working conditions and pay disparities could lead to further strike action amongst its staff in Dublin.
The retailer has been in hot water recently over allegations of backdated pay and poor working conditions. Workers were allegedly left overheated in one store after the air conditioning was shut off, which caused stock such as chocolate to melt.
Staff are seeking to resolve issues over backdated pay and working conditions with immediate effect. An Iceland staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, said problems with pay first arose when the company switched hands back in February.
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She told Dublin Live: "The first week in March wages were left short. These issues were not resolved for weeks despite repeated emails- one work colleague is owed €1400 in backpay and there’s been radio silence."
The worker alleged that air conditioning had also been cut off at her Dublin store due to mounting electric bills. Workers later switched it back as the heat made the nature of their work impossible.
She added: "We understand the cost of bills but not at our expense. We deal with pallets of stock, the work is quite physical. We had stock such as chocolate melting and customers complaining. We couldn't work with the heat."
Staff contacted the Independent Workers Union to express their concerns and later balloted for strike action. The Coolock branch went on strike this Friday, with staff from other stores and even 'Game of Thrones' star Liam Cunningham turning up to show solidarity.
The worker said that a more cost effective air conditioning system is planned to mitigate the previous issues. However, she said staff need more stability regarding pay as the cost of living crisis continues.
She said: "We’re minimum wage workers and a lot of us have mortgages and bills. The union have sent a letter to see how they will deal with our store. If it’s not sorted, we will push for strike action again."
The Independent Workers Union said of the strike: "The industrial action carried out on Friday was a massive success. The workers in the Coolock store collectively withdrew their labour and put a picket on their place of work. This was met with widespread support from the local community and beyond."
They added: "Workers in the Ballyfermot and Tallaght stores have had assurances made by their employer that all their outstanding grievances will be resolved by this Thursday - May 25th. We have put it to the employer to extend these assurances to all other Iceland stores nationwide, including Coolock."
Iceland has been contacted for comment.
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