Welwyn Garden City UK: Lorry drivers and warehouse workers at four Tesco distribution centres have rejected a 2.5% pay increase offer.
The Unite union said that is members voted against Tesco’s ‘full and final pay offer’, offer saying it was lower than inflation so represented a real-terms pay cut.
The distribution centres involved are in Belfast, Didcot, Doncaster and Thurrock Unite said that during negotiations, Tesco made it clear that it does not believe it needs to substantially raise the wages of lorry drivers. Despite well-publicised driver shortages, the supermarket claims it has a waiting list of 400 drivers keen to work for the company.
Tesco has said that the offer is its best and final offer but the negotiation procedures include the option to involve external mediation. Whilst the union will of course honour agreed procedures, Unite will not accept any attempt to delay or artificially extend these talks and if an acceptable offer is not made, a full industrial action ballot will quickly follow, added the union.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Tesco’s staff have kept working throughout the pandemic and that alone surely means they deserve a decent pay rise. Instead, they are being offered what is, in effect, a pay cut.”
Unite national officer Adrian Jones said: “The arrogance and disdain for its workforce currently being displayed by Tesco’s management is shocking; they have either forgotten, don’t know or don’t care that the company’s success is due to the hard work and diligence of its workers.
“If full industrial action resulting in empty shelves does follow, then consumers should understand that this dispute is entirely of Tesco’s own making.”
Tesco said: “We are in ongoing talks with Unite representatives regarding pay and are working closely with them to find a resolution.
“We look forward to meeting with them again soon to work towards an agreement on a pay award for our colleagues in those 4 distribution centres.”
