Strike action threatened by Tesco drivers based in Livingston in the run-up to the Bank Holiday weekend, will go ahead on 24-26 May, disrupting food supplies to its network of stores across Scotland.
More than 125 distribution drivers in Livingston had earlier voted for strike action following a dispute over the supermarket giant’s plans to draw up new terms and conditions when it opens a new distribution depot in the town. Tesco will be closing the existing Livingston facility along with its other depot in Dundee.
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Tony Trench, regional industrial organiser for the Transport and General Workers’ section of Unite, said Tesco’s decision to derecognise the union and instructing drivers to sign up to the new deal by 18 May or be sacked were unacceptable pressures.
“What makes this situation worse is that before Tesco had started a meeting with us and national officials in London, it had told the Livingston drivers what the final outcome would be. That revelation was the final flashpoint for the drivers and confirmed we are dealing with a cynical company that cannot be trusted.”