Tallaght Domino's Pizza drivers strike over pay
Fifty Domino's Pizza drivers have begun protest action at the franchise's Tallaght outlet in a row over pay.
The drivers say they are paid €4 per hour, with an additional payment to them of €1.50 per delivery. They are looking for their pay to be increased to €5 per hour and the per-delivery payment to €2, which they say would be in line with other outlets in the franchise.
"When we try to speak to the company about this issue, they won't discuss it," said driver Uzair Ahmad, who is spokesman for the drivers.
The drivers started their protest action last night when they downed tools and refused to do any deliveries for the night. They are planning to picket the Tallaght outlet again today at 5pm and say they will again refuse to do any deliveries.
In a typical night, Uzair says drivers often make just two deliveries. As each delivery earns them €1.50, that brings their average hourly pay to €7, 65c less than the national minimum wage.
"A lot of drivers are working here (in the Tallaght Shopping Centre outlet). That and the traffic around Tallaght means each of us can only do an average of two deliveries an hour, meaning we earn only €7 per hour on average," he said.
"Out of that, we have to pay our own car tax, insurance, petrol and for any damage to the car. When all that is taken out, I don't know what the hourly rate would turn out to be, maybe €6?"
The drivers at the Tallaght outlet are calling for colleagues in their sister company in Walkinstown to join their protest. Some of the Walkinstown drivers have already committed to join tonight's picket.
The Tallaght drivers are not unionised but are keen to get Siptu involved in their action as soon as possible.
Owner of the Tallaght outlet Fergus McDonnell said he had "no comment to make at the moment".
From head office in the UK, Domino's Pizza said: "We can confirm that a number of our team members chose not to work their shift on Friday, December 8.
"We have listened to their concerns and must now begin a formal process that will ensure that this matter is brought to a satisfactory conclusion. It is our priority to create a friendly, safe and rewarding place of work."
