Badge row worker reinstated by Dunnes
A store worker sacked for wearing a union badge on her uniform was reinstated tonight.
Joanne Delaney received support from trade unions across Europe after she was fired from her position in Dunnes Stores in Dublin’s Crumlin for wearing the badge.
The case of Ms Delaney, a Mandate union shop steward, had received worldwide attention since late last year with protests outside stores in Ireland and in the UK.
Ms Delaney’s position was also raised by TDs in the Dáil and by British MPs in the House of Commons and the Scottish Parliament.
Aengus O’Snodaigh, Sinn Féin’s TD for Dublin South Central, said her reinstatement in her position was welcome but she should never have lost her job in the first place.
“It is a tribute to Joanne and to all those who supported her campaign that Dunnes Stores has backed down,” the TD said.
Ms Delaney is understood to have received a letter by courier offering her the opportunity to return to work next week.
“The management of Dunnes Stores clearly underestimated the strength of public opinion on this issue.
“Public disquiet with the anti-union stance of Dunnes and people’s support for Joanne Delaney played a pivotal role in bringing this dispute to a successful conclusion.”
