THE MANDATE TRADE Union have claimed that staff at the Newbridge branch of Dunnes Stores are being threatened that their cars will be clamped if they use the store’s carpark.

The union are condemning management’s action saying that most Dunnes workers are low paid and can’t afford to pay the fines of €50 being imposed.

The local action is part of a widespread dispute where it is understood that the company informed 116 Republic of Ireland stores last month that parking facilities are being withdrawn.

Workers at the Newbridge store have been continuing to use the store car parks but now management have taken the decision to issue the clamping threat.

Local Mandate organiser Mandy Kane says that many workers “have no option” but to drive to work:

Many Dunnes Stores locations are not serviced by public transport and they don’t have any affordable parking options in the nearby vicinity. The burden that is being placed on low paid, precarious workers is unfair.

Kane adds that the many of the affected workers have had their hours cut, some to as low as three hours a day.

“This is despite the fact the company has hired hundreds of other staff members, most on low hour contracts, meaning an even higher demand for the company car-park. It’s an absurd situation,” she said.

The union had previously criticised the decision to remove parking saying that workers, many of whom are women, will be required to walk home to isolated areas at up to 11pm at night.

Read: Workers slam ‘inconsiderate’ Dunnes over withdrawal of staff parking spaces >