Drivers at Tesco's Livingston distribution centre balloted to decide on possible industrial action
By Chris Tindall
The dispute brewing between Tesco and its drivers at a Scottish RDC turned into a slanging match this week, with the supermarket and the TGWU accusing each other of talking nonsense.
Tesco declined to answer why it is attempting to de-recognise the union at its Livingston distribution centre, but tells Motor Transport that the changes it wants to introduce to 250 drivers' contracts will protect their terms and conditions for the future. It insists there has been "lots of discussion" with the union over its plans, but describes allegations that it is planning to roll out similar contracts across the UK as "complete nonsense".
Tesco is awaiting the result of a strike ballot by the union, closing on April 30, to determine if industrial action will follow, but a spokesman says he won't speculate on whether the local dispute is threatening to escalate into a national problem.
Tony Trench, TGWU regional industrial organiser, tells Motor Transport: "Our members were so angry they wanted to walk out of their jobs way back in February." He stands by the allegation that Livingston drivers stand to lose £5,000 a year if the deal goes through, despite the supermarket denying this is the case.
Ron Webb, TGWU national secretary for transport, adds: "I have been receiving intelligence that the company has been looking for contractors in the event that this goes to a strike. It doesn't surprise me, but it does demonstrate there's no limits this company will go to get what it wants."
