Tesco depot workers vote for strike action ahead of Christmas

TESCO shoppers could face empty shelves in the run-up to Christmas as workers at the supermarket’s distribution centres in the North vote for strike action.

The move comes after the logistics workers were offered a below-inflation pay rise of four per cent, which their union, Unite, has described as “offensive”.

Unite says warehouse workers and HGV drivers at the chain’s depots in Belfast and Antrim would initiate an all-out continuous strike from 7am on December 16 if the pay offer was not improved.

The retail prices inflation rate currently stands at six per cent and the union says the pay offer on the table amounts to a real term cut.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said, “Our members have gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep Tesco’s shelves filled throughout the pandemic.

“At the very least the UK’s largest and wealthiest retailer should be making our members a decent pay offer.”

Strike action will also impact two other depots in Didcot and Doncaster.

A Tesco spokesperson told the BBC, “Our distribution colleagues have worked tirelessly through the pandemic in order to keep products moving for customers. The pay offer we have made is a fair recognition of this.

“We welcome the decision by our colleagues at the sites who have voted against industrial action. We are disappointed that some have voted to proceed, and we have contingency plans in place to help mitigate any impacts.”