7 December 2012

Doncaster Drivers go on Strike against Tesco

186 Doncaster Tesco distribution drivers, members of Unite the Union, are being sacked and replaced by drivers on cheaper rates of pay. Many have more than 20 years loyal service but this counts for nothing in the world of Tesco.

186 Doncaster Tesco distribution drivers, members of Unite
the Union, are being sacked and replaced by drivers on cheaper rates of
pay. Many have more than 20 years
loyal service but this counts for nothing in the world of Tesco.

Tesco, who made nearly £3.8 billion profit with their
highest paid director earning £1.6 million last year transferred the drivers to
Eddie Stobarts (ESL) last August in order to save money and within a few weeks
ESL gave the drivers notice
that they are to be sacked by Xmas and replaced by drivers on the ESL drivers
rate of £7.50 per hour compared to the past Tesco rate of £ 9 per hour. Terms and conditions including sickness
leave were also attacked as part of the transfer of drivers between Tesco and
ESL leaving the drivers very much worse off. After 8 days of strike action, a
breakdown in recent talks with ACAS and faced with the sack before Xmas the workers have had enough and voted
for all strike action from today 6th December.

Driver Mick Pickman of Unite told Socialist Appeal that he
would stand to lose up to £200 per week under the new conditions and that he
was left with no option but go on all out strike. Other Tesco distribution depots in Livingstone and Warrington
could be targeted next as a means of lowering rates of pay and driving down
hard fought conditions. With an
all strike and support from Unite the Union and other distribution depots Tesco
could be hit very hard in the busy period leading up to Xmas. Unite are now
taking the dispute into Tesco stores and are now mounting a leaflet campaign
outside many Tesco stores in order to gain support from shoppers. For further information on the
leafleting campaign in the Yorkshire Area e mail: Joe.rollin@unitetheunion.org