Tesco 'set for Christmas shortages' as warehouse workers plan strike

A union has warned of Christmas shortages across Scotland’s Tesco stores after warehouse workers and HGV drivers voted for strike action.

Unite members will walk out of the supermarket’s Livingston Distribution Depot, which provides stock to all stores across the country, on Monday, December 20, not to return until after Christmas.

The staff are taking industrial action over a pay dispute after they were offered a four per cent rise.

Unite said this offer was below the current rate of inflation and was therefore a real terms pay cut.

Unite’s regional officer Willie Thomson said: “It’s time Tesco rewarded its exceptionally hard working and loyal workforce in distribution.

“The workers have kept us fed throughout this pandemic and after contributing to the exceptional profits of Tesco they fully deserve a significant pay rise. Tesco needs to put its customers and workforce first, settle this dispute or risk shortages over the festive period.

“Tesco says ‘This Christmas nothing is stopping us’ well with the full support of Unite nothing is going to stop our members in their fight for a fair wage deal.”

The supermarket giant said it had worked hard to deliver Christmas for customers and was confident it would be able to fulfil its plans.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “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, and is one of the highest awards made within our distribution business in the last 25 years, building on our highly competitive pay and rewards package.

“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.”