Strikes by warehouse workers and drivers are set to cause chaos in the run-up to Christmas at Tesco.
Over 1,000 employees are considering a walkout in dispute over pay. This will add further pressure to the supply chain, where Tesco bosses previously warned about reduced selection on shelves because of driver shortages.
The Unite union said the company offer of a four per cent pay rise is ‘well below’ the rate of inflation – currently 6 per cent according to the retail price index.
Tesco claimed that this offer was “one of our highest awards in distribution” over the past 25-years.
The Unite union said the company offer of a four per cent pay rise is ‘well below’ the rate of inflation – currently 6 per cent according to the retail price index
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, stated that members went above and beyond their duty in keeping Tesco’s shelves stocked throughout the pandemic.
“At least, the UK’s biggest and wealthiest retailers should offer our members decent pay offers.”
Docot and Doncaster workers will go on strike from 6am to December 16th, with a stoppage of five days starting December 20th.
An all-out strike will be launched by Unite members at Tesco’s Antrim Distribution Centres and Belfast Distribution Centers, starting at 7am on December 16.
Today, the union declared that its members will vote in a strike at Tesco’s Distribution Centre in Livingston (Scotland).
Over 1,000 employees are considering walking out in protest over a dispute about their pay, putting more pressure on the supply chain.
According to the union, workers will join strikes if they vote for industrial action.
Adrian Jones, Unite national officer, stated that Unite has taken strike action after exhausting all other options.
“Even at the late stage Tesco could still save its stores from severe disruption by going back to negotiations and making an even better offer.
Tesco stated that its distribution team worked hard through the pandemic to ensure customers’ products were moving.
“The offer that we made to you is fair and a recognition of your efforts. It is also a testament to our high-competitive pay and reward package.
“We are pleased with the vote of our site colleagues who voted against industrial actions.
“We regret that some people voted for the continuation of this election. We have contingency plans to mitigate any negative impacts.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to make Christmas a success for our customers. We are optimistic that we’ll be able achieve our objectives.”