Tesco workers at Dagenham distribution centre set to strike for 24 hours over pay dispute
The Tesco Distribution Centre in Rainham - Credit: Archant
Workers at Tesco’s distribution centre in Dagenham are to commence a 24-hour strike at 10pm over a pay dispute.
The dispute centres on a 2017 pay review, where Usdaw says Tesco failed to make an acceptable offer to union members.
The most recent offer, which was rejected by union members, was worth less than 3pc over 12 months to workers, according to Usdaw.
Tesco have described the offer as “fair and competitive” and have not come back with an improved offer to union members, they say.
Workers at all Tesco’s other distribution sites have signed up to the new pay deal, meaning the Dagenham centre is the only one striking nationally.
Members of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action last week with 70 per cent supporting the walk out, with a turnout of 63 pc.
The formal strike ballot was of 545 members and conducted by an independent organisation.
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A further stoppage is planned from 10pm on Thursday, May 24 with “further strike action to be agreed in due course,” according to Usdaw.
Dave McCrossen, Usdaw divisional officer, said: “Our members have not taken the decision lightly to engage in strike action.
“We sincerely hope that the company will return to the negotiating table as soon as possible to resolve the current dispute with a reasonable offer.
“Usdaw members at Tesco Dagenham are seeking a pay rise that reflects the cost of living pressures they face on a daily basis.”
Tesco have said they will continue to look for resolutions to the dispute.
A Tesco spokeswoman said: “We have put forward a fair and competitive pay deal to our distribution colleagues as part of our annual review process.
“All our 21 distribution sites, except one, have now agreed their offers. We are very disappointed that the union committee representing our Dagenham site have decided to take industrial action.
“We will continue to engage with the committee on this issue as we believe having a conversation is the best way forward.”
