A major strike by 3,000 Tesco HGV drivers and warehouse workers, which threatened to disrupt deliveries to the retailer’s supermarkets across the country, was averted at the 11th hour after Tesco upped its pay offer, union Unite has revealed.
The workers began balloting for strike action in July, after rejecting a 4% pay deal which Tesco had described at the time as “a fair offer.”
The Tesco staff, based in Belfast, Didcot, Doncaster and Thurrock, disagreed, arguing the offer was considerably lower than the 5.1% the retailer had given its shop workers.
As the balloting began, Unite warned that any strike action would severely impact distribution to Tesco stores across the UK, leaving shelves empty.
However, during the balloting for strike action, which was due to end on 17 August, Tesco increased its offer to 4.5%, Unite said, removing the need for industrial action.
Around 700 Didcot workers, 400 Belfast workers, 600 Doncaster workers and 1,400 Thurrock workers will benefit from the pay rise, after voting to accept the deal
Announcing the improved pay deal this week, the union encouraged other logistics workers to join Unite to improve their pay and conditions.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “Well done to Tesco’s distribution workers who secured this pay rise because they are unionised.
“Unite’s top priority is defending and improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions.”
Adrian Jones, Unite national officer for road transport and logistics, added: “This result is prime example of why those who want better wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join as well. There is power in a union.”
