LIVE: Workers at major retailer in Tipperary protest over pay during busy Christmas rush

Workers from Tesco in Cashel joined the nationwide protest against the proposed wage increase set for them in the New Year.

The workers have been told their wages will increase by 3%, which they believe is too low.

Speaking with the Tipperary Star, Caroline Clifford, Industrial Officer for Mandate in the Midwest Division said: “In recent years, management have refused to collectively bargain, and instead they’ve just imposed pay awards on workers.”

Caroline said meetings were held, before the 3% increase was imposed, which she believes is inadequate.

“It’s not a strike, it’s just a protest. We have our workers in Cashel. They’re doing this during their lunch break.

“It’s a peaceful protest, they have the right under the Constitution to participate in a protest anyway.”

Cllr Liam Browne said: "Nobody should have to protest for better working conditions and pay at any time, but its even sadder to see worker's having to stand at a protest at Christmas

"On Saturday, I was happy to meet with a small group of workers from the Mandate trade union, who are protesting for the right to collectively bargain on behalf of their members.

"Mandate has negotiated on behalf of Tesco workers with the company since it entered the Irish market in 1997.

"However, in recent years, Tesco management have refused to collectively bargain and instead imposed pay awards on workers.

"We're all going through hard times, and increasingly working people, those whose taxes pay the bills are finding it harder and harder to make ends meet.

"As a trade union member myself, I'm more than happy to show solidarity with the Mandate members."