Tesco’s offer of a pay boost is “the least… workers could expect”, a trade union has said, as the retailer tried to avert Christmas strikes.
The 5.5 per cent increase, which will go up to six per cent in February, comes after Unite members rejected a four per cent deal.
Tesco had previously called its first offer one of the highest in its distribution business for 25 years.
Around 1200 workers were due to strike at depots across Antrim, Belfast, Didcot and Doncaster from 16 December.
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Unite recommended the 5.5 per cent deal to its members, despite rejecting the first proposal because it was below the retail price inflation rate of six per cent.
“Tesco’s improved offer shows what can be achieved by our members standing together,” general secretary Sharon Graham said,
“Given that the company has forecast profits for 2021 topping £2.5 billion an improved offer is the least Tesco workers could expect.”
According to The Telegraph, rival union Usdaw is holding out for a bigger wage boost, with talks resuming next week.
A Tesco spokesman said: “We’re pleased to have agreed a pay deal with Unite that it recommends to its members.
“Colleagues at these centres will no longer be taking industrial action. We look forward to delivering a fantastic Christmas for customers.”
Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Asda, left exposed by the shortage of lorry drivers and weight of festive demand, have all been hit by strike threats.
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1 Comment. Leave new
I’m pleased they’ve received there deal but what about all the c/a and other worker’s that are actually on the front line that have to deal with abuse from the public don’t we deserve a pay rise too