Tesco warehouse staff threaten to strike

At Tesco, the run-up to the important Christmas period could be disrupted by strikes at the distribution centres. A large proportion of the workers consider the management’s payment rise proposals insufficient.

“Insulting”

Tesco is the largest supermarket chain in the United Kingdom. At 13 of the 22 distribution centres, workers have now called for action in the run-up to Christmas after rejecting the management’s “insulting” pay proposal. The management had promised a 4 % pay rise during annual negotiations, according to the BBC.

According to the union Unite, the 4 % increase represents a “real terms pay cut” due to inflation. The cost of living rose by 4.2 % in October, the highest rate in almost ten years.

Shortages in stores

Joanne McGuinness, national officer of Usdaw, said members had sent a clear message. “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.”

The strikes could have a significant impact on Tesco, and just during the hugely important Christmas period. The unions also point out that distribution workers have played a vital role during the pandemic in keeping the shelves in the stores stocked. “At the very least, the UK’s largest and wealthiest retailer should be making our members a decent pay offer.”