Strike threat brings Tesco back to negotiating table

Usdaw said it has welcomed Tesco’s offer of further talks in an effort to avoid industrial action, which is scheduled to start on 20 December and end on Christmas Eve.

The dispute involves more than 5,000 Usdaw members at nine Tesco distribution centres in Daventry, Goole, Hinckley, Lichfield, Livingston, Magor (both trunk and main sites), Peterborough and Southampton.

The drivers and warehouse workers had rejected a 4% annual pay increase and Usdaw wants the company to improve the offer to avoid pre-Christmas disruption.

Joanne McGuinness, Usdaw national officer said: “We welcome Tesco’s offer of further talks and we will engage positively to seek a resolution to this dispute.

“Industrial action is always a last resort for our members. We sincerely hope that fresh negotiations can result in an acceptable offer from the business to avoid possible stock shortages in stores in the week before Christmas.”

The talks begin today (8 December).