Warning of empty shelves at Tescos across NI as union ballots workers on strike action over pay dispute

By Q Radio News

A trade union has warned there could be empty shelves at Tescos across Northern Ireland in the run up to Christmas unless employers improve a pay offer for workers. 

Unite the union is balloting lorry drivers and warehouse workers at Tesco Belfast distribution centre on strike action as part of a UK-wide strike ballot following the rejection of a four percent pay rise for workers. 

In total, the union is balloting 3,500 Tesco workers including in Belfast, Didcot, Doncaster and Thurrock regional distribution centres.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Tesco made more than £3 billion during the pandemic yet pretends it cannot afford to pay the workers responsible for such staggering profits a decent pay rise.

“Offering four per cent is offensive when RPI inflation is running at nearly five per cent. If our members vote to strike, Tesco can expect Unite to go all the way to support their fight for a fair pay rise.”

The strike ballot in Belfast distribution centre will open on Tuesday 2nd November and close on 26th November.

Unite has warned the strike action at Tesco's distribution centre in Belfast is likely to hugely exacerbate the pre-existing trade difficulties in Northern Ireland and result in bare shelves at supermarkets across the region. 

Unite regional officer for Tesco workers in Northern Ireland, George Brash, said: “This latest offer by Tesco’s bosses shows their disdain for their workforce. On the back of huge profits – which leapt by 16.6 percent in the first half of this year and look likely to increase still further – they offered their workers a below inflation pay increase.

“Given the existing difficulties in trade from GB to Northern Ireland, any strike action in the Belfast hub would likely have a devastating impact on Tescos operations here; we would be looking at bare shelves at stores across the region in the run up to Christmas.

“If there are empty shelves leading up to Christmas then consumers should understand that the fault is entirely of Tesco’s own making where shameful greed and profiteering is valued above transport and warehouse workers who are the blood of the supply chain, working tirelessly through a global pandemic to feed the nation. 

"Tescos need to pay their workers properly and avoid unnecessary disruption in the mouth of Christmas”, Mr Brash finished.