Tesco lorry drivers rev up for strike

The drivers at the Tesco distribution centre in Doncaster will walk out just after midnight on October 9 over their escalating dispute over employment security with union-busting lorry firm Eddie Stobart, causing havoc in supplies to Tesco stores in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The move follows an overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action, after Stobart issued 90 days' notice of termination of employment last month.

A whopping 91.7 per cent of drivers voted for strike action and 95.4 per cent voted for action short of a strike.

The transport workforce was transferred from Tesco to ESL in August and notices of termination of employment followed - with no promise that the drivers would be re-employed once the 90 days is up.

Unite regional officer Harriet Eisner said: "The drivers are furious at the way they have been treated by this callous management which seems hell-bent on throwing them onto the dole queue by Christmas.

"More strikes are on the cards until this dispute is resolved.

"Unite wants a constructive dialogue with ESL, but the management has remained intransigent in wanting to get rid of the drivers."

The strike follows a recent protest at Doncaster race course where Stobart sponsored the St Ledger's Stakes meeting - one of the five classic races in the flat racing calendar.

Unite had campaigned for these jobs to be safeguarded under transfer of undertaking (protection of employment) arrangements.