Pay dispute talks convened at Primark in Northern Ireland as Usdaw decides to re-ballot members

Date: 8 February 2012

The threat of industrial action by Usdaw members employed by Primark in Northern Ireland has been temporarily lifted following the company's agreement to talks and the Union's decision to re-ballot its members.

Usdaw Reps from Primark's eight stores in Northern Ireland met yesterday and heard that the company has finally agreed to talks which will take place at the Labour Relations Agency (LRA) this Friday 10 February.

In another development, the Union has decided to re-ballot its members after being advised that a technical oversight in the original ballot process may have left the Union open to a legal challenge.

Last month, Usdaw members voted 93% to 7% in favour of taking industrial action in protest at Primark's attempt to impose a pay freeze for the second year running. Although Primark was verbally informed of the result on the day the ballot closed, this was not immediately confirmed in writing, an oversight the Union has been advised could have led to a legal challenge against any resulting legal action.

The new ballot will open next Wednesday 15 February and close on Wednesday 29 February.

Nicola Scarborough, Usdaw Area Organiser said:

"Usdaw welcomes the company's decision to get back round the negotiating table and we hope that this week's talks will lead to a resolution of the dispute."

"Industrial action is obviously a last resort and one our members would prefer not to have to take, but they do want Primark to treat them fairly and recognise the contribution they are making to the company's success."

"The oversight in the first ballot is very regrettable but the new ballot will ensure the Union and its members are legally protected should any industrial action prove necessary."

Notes for Editors:

1. Usdaw now has over 700 members employed in Primark's eight stores in Northern Ireland, just over 90% of the total workforce. Primark's eight stores are located in Ballymena, Belfast, Lisburn, Londonderry City, Londonderry Lisnagelvin, Newry, Newtownabbey and Newtownards.
2. Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fourth biggest and fastest growing trade union with over 410,000 members. Membership has increased by more than 20% in the last six years and by nearly a third in the last decade. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.