Seventeen Marks and Spencer stores across Ireland are closed today, due to a strike involving over 2,000 workers.
The row is over a decision by management to close a defined benefit scheme for staff.
Staff who are members of SIPTU and Mandate are picketing the stores until midnight tonight.
Two further days of industrial action are planned by workers before Christmas.
M&S accused the unions of issuing misleading statements, and says two thirds of employees are completely unaffected by the scheme.
Both sides in the dispute have expressed the wish to restart talks to try and resolve the issue.
