Tesco avoids Usdaw strike action with new pay deal

Tesco has agreed a pay deal with Usdaw to avert strike action at nine of its distribution centres in the run up to Christmas.

Prior to the new agreement, action would have seen Usdaw workers at the distribution centres walk out during the week leading up to Christmas Eve. Instead, the action has now been suspended and Usdaw will be balloting members at the distribution sites.

The two ballots involve over 5,000 Usdaw members, employed as drivers and warehouse workers, at Tesco distribution centres in: Daventry Clothing, Goole, Hinckley, Lichfield, Livingston, Magor (both trunk and main sites), Peterborough and Southampton.

Joanne McGuinness – Usdaw National Officer, said: “After the overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action, Tesco reopened pay negotiations with Usdaw. I am pleased to say that we have been successful in achieving a significantly improved offer and Usdaw is recommending that members accept it in the ballot.

“Full details of the offer will be shared from noon on Wednesday, when the ballot opens. Having reached this improved offer, we have withdrawn notice of strike action. I want to thank our members for their support and determination during the industrial action ballot. This is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when we collectively stand together.”

A Tesco spokesperson added: “We’re pleased to have agreed a pay deal with Usdaw that it recommends to its members.

“Colleagues at these centres will no longer be taking industrial action. We look forward to delivering a fantastic Christmas for customers.”