Northern Irish staff members of value fashion retailer Primark have reached a pay deal with their employer which will see a proposed strike called off.
Members of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) employed by the discount brand in the country voted 95 per cent in favour of the wage settlement which will see shop floor workers hourly pay rise from £6.84 to £7.14 from next month.
Industrial action was originally scheduled for the holiday weekend over St Patrick‘s Day (March 17th) but was suspended while negotiations continued with the retailer.
The dispute was sparked by Primark‘s decision to initially impose a pay freeze on its staff members for a second year running.
Nicola Scarborough, Usdaw Area Organiser, said: “Our members clearly welcomed the offer made by Primark and are pleased the dispute has been settled without the need for industrial action.
“The positive outcome shows the benefits of the company working more closely with Usdaw on pay and other issues of concern to staff.”
Under the new deal Primark shop workers in Northern Ireland will receive a one per cent pay rise effective from January 1st 2012 and a further 1.88 per cent increase from April.
Also from next month, effected employees will see their annual one week Christmas bonus incorporated into their hourly rate, leaving them with a final salary of £7.14 per hour.
