A woman who has worked for Tesco for over 30 years has accused management at the retailer of “putting a gun to our heads” as staff prepare to strike tomorrow.

Caroline Ennis said that the proposed new contract for pre-1996 staff would reduce her wages significantly.

She said that as well as losing guaranteed overtime, her hourly rate would be cut by €3.

Tesco has said it is extremely disappointed with the decision to strike as it has yet to implement planned changes to the contracts of 300 staff, which it says are needed to improve customer service .

Tesco also said that Mandate is refusing to put its compensation proposal for pre-1996 members to a ballot.

“At extensive discussions at the WRC on Monday, Tesco, in the spirit of compromise, tabled new proposals for the 300 staff across 65 stores involved, that address the feedback received from colleagues in relation to our pre-1996/97 changes,” a Tesco statement read.

“We have revised this offer further and we believe that colleagues should now have time to consider our new offer.”

“We do not understand why Mandate refuses to put these proposals to their members and proceeds instead to an indefinite strike.

“Feedback from our staff is that they are shocked at Mandate’s move and would like the opportunity to have a say. We believe that colleagues should have time to consider our new offer.”