Liffey Valley retail workers protest new parking fees, say it means substantial wage cuts – Irish Times

New parking charges at Liffey Valley shopping center mean wages have been cut for workers earning at or near minimum wage amid a cost of living crisis, said a spokeswoman for West Dublin shopping centre. protesters said on Sunday.

The center, which until recently offered free parking for customers and staff, introduced paid parking on October 17. Staff parking in designated overflow parking lots will be charged EUR 2.50 per day.

However, according to the workers, this means new charges for employees of up to €600 per year. This can be even higher if you can’t find a spot in the overflow car park open to the public and he has to pay €12.50, the customer’s daily fee.

Many of the workers at the protest said they had to drive to work in the morning and afternoon so they could drop off and pick up their children.

A woman who has worked at the center for 22 years said the new rate means her first hour of work every week is to pay for parking.

“For most women who work here, €12.50 is an hour’s wage,” said a woman who starts work at 7am.

A spokeswoman for Liffey Valley said the new parking arrangements “have been working positively throughout this week, with customers and staff making the successful transition to the new system.” I pointed out that there was space available in the .

John Ennis, who has worked at the center for 23 years, said employees kept retail stores open throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Claimed not to be involved.

A woman who has worked in the Liffey Valley for 11 years drives her children to school every morning before arriving at the center at 9am to start work.

“I don’t think it’s fair,” said the woman, who works five four-hour shifts each week and earns 320 euros a week after tax. “Additional €12.50 [from her wages] is not small. Being a single parent is hard enough. I am trying to do the best I can. “

Another woman who drove from County Kildare, left her child in daycare and got a job at Liffey Valley Centre, said her income of €600 a year was “huge”.

“Everything is on the rise these days. I just got back from maternity leave and was charged a lot to park my car.”

“I think it’s a shame,” said another woman who has worked for the same retailer at the center for the past decade. She said: “At Taller’s Square, workers pay only €100 a year for parking, which she does in two installments.

Ken Riley of Mandate Labor Union said the center has about 1,000 members, most of whom are low-paid, some of whom are minimum wage.

“Shortly after the government announced a cost of living relief measure in the budget, 600 euros per year will be paid, but it is being removed immediately.”

Mark Ward, deputy director of local Sinn Fein, said: “Charging €600 on top of things like increased living costs is not sustainable. It will force people out of work.”

“This is a very unfair push,” said local People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny. “Equivalent to a pay cut”

“Nobody interacts with us,” said Natalie Riley of the Liffey Valley Action Group, who has worked at the center for the past four years. “Taoizachi needs to intervene.”

A spokesperson for the Liffey Valley Shopping Center said staff parking facilities are “available in pre-designated areas of the center for €2.50 each way. Sign up for a discounted €2.50 per trip with staff is in line with the enrollment rate envisioned for this group.Staff who remain concerned about the new arrangements have been asked to communicate directly with their employers on the matter.

“We are pleased to confirm that the designated staff parking lots (blue and green overflow parking lots) have always had available capacity since last Monday.”

The spokesperson added, “There has been and continues to be extensive communication with all stakeholders, including retailers, regarding these changes.” It is widely understood and accepted that providing an enhanced customer experience ultimately benefits Liffey Valley retailers and their staff. We believe this change has significantly improved the parking experience for everyone and has already reduced the number of commuters and frequent parkers who did not visit or work at the center. “