The number of Tesco PLC (LSE:TSCO) distribution centres facing the prospect of walk-outs by striking staff has more than tripled to 13.
Yesterday, it was reported by the Unite union that workers, including warehouse staff and heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers, at Tesco’s depots in Antrim, Belfast, Didcot and Doncaster are planning industrial action over pay and will start a series of rolling strikes from 16 December until after the New Year unless the supermarket giant comes back with an improved pay offer.
The UK's largest and wealthiest retailer should be making our members a decent pay offer. Our members have gone above & beyond the call of duty to keep @Tesco shelves filled throughout the pandemic. @unitetheunion will stand firm. #JobsPayConditions https://t.co/lmqu1K6WjX
— Sharon Graham (@UniteSharon) December 6, 2021
Members of the retail workers’ union Usdaw have now also opted for industrial action, which means another nine distribution centres could be out of action in the crucial run-up to Christmas.
Tesco has 22 distribution centres in total.
Usdaw said its members plan to take action between 20 December and Christmas Eve.
Union members voted in two separate ballots with 73% in favour of industrial action in one ballot and 84% in favour in the other.
“Our members have sent a clear message, with this high turnout and strong support for industrial action,” said Usdaw’s national officer, Joanne McGuinness.
“We hope that the company is listening and that they will return to the negotiating table with a better deal that is acceptable to our members,” she said.
Tesco has previously said it had contingency plans to mitigate any impact of the industrial action.
#Usdaw members at nine Tesco distribution centres vote overwhelmingly for industrial action in disputes over pay https://t.co/5X99KF1Rf2
— UsdawUnion (@UsdawUnion) December 6, 2021