Latest: Lloyds Pharmacy issues statement following staff's two-hour strike
Lloyds Pharmacy has thanked customers and staff members following a two-hour strike at 34 stores nationwide.
Over 200 staff members took part in the second in a series of pay-related work stoppages.
"We wish to thank our patients and full team for their understanding and support during this morning’s two-hour industrial action," the statement said.
"All stores nationwide remained open during the duration of the action, a reflection of the levels of commitment and professionalism of our team.
"Discussions with the employee negotiating body, the Colleague Representative Committee (CRC) are continuing.
"The team has been informed that we will be bringing proposals, including specifics on pay scales, to the scheduled upcoming meeting.
We have achieved real progress over recent weeks, with increased pay and sick pay agreements. We are committed to maintaining this momentum.
Earlier: Lloyds Pharmacy staff to strike across 34 stores today
Over 200 staff at the Lloyds Pharmacy chain are taking to the picket lines this morning for the second in a series of pay-related work stoppages.
The workers, who are with the Mandate union, say management is ignoring a Labour Court ruling that recommended negotiations.
34 stores in Dublin, Wicklow, Wexford, Westmeath and Sligo are affected by today's two-hour stoppage.
Mandate spokesperson Gerry Light says the company can well afford to improve staff pay and conditions:
"It is a very simple solution as to how this dispute can be solved," he said.
"That's entirely within the gift of management at this stage.
What we're talking about here is an extremely profitable company owned by an international pharmaceutical corporation, McKesson, whose turnover is $169 billion a year.
