BOOTS workers to strike....

Boots Chemists posted €20 million in profits for the year to March 2008 in Ireland and according to the New York Times- Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (the private equity firm that bought out Boots) looks set to generate pre-tax profits of up to $1.3 Billion for their shareholders!
Yet it’s in the interests of these shareholders that Boots staff are now expected to take pay cuts of up to 15.5% along with a reduction in terms and conditions despite Boots still being a highly profitable company with current cash reserves in excess of €70 million.
Some of Boots demands include - A 15.5% wage reduction at the top scale of pay from €14.20 to €12 per hour, A 25% reduction in public holiday pay, A 25% reduction in Sunday Premiums, Increased flexibility in weekend work for full time staff.

Boots management have dcclared that they will terminate all agreements with the Mandate Union from Nov 17th.
Workers have to put some manners on this company to let them know that they cannot get away with such blatant contempt for their hard working staff.

Boots joins the ranks of a number of companies who have provoked strike action on the part of their workers- Marine Terminals Limited, Coca Cola HBC, Green Isle Foods, Budget Travel, Mr. Binman- have all tried to use the recession (despite profitability) to drive down wages and conditions.

Workers should read the history and results of the above disputes, we need to fight wholeheartedly with our Unions when they voice our concerns, but if the Union wavers and falls short of delivering what the members demand we need to have in place rank and file organisation – spokespeople for each store elected from the workers in each store that can raise the concerns of workers at meetings with the Unions.