Mass support for Tesco drivers

More than 180 drivers at the centre were on strike until midnight this morning.

It followed an overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action after their new boss haulage giant Eddie Stobart Ltd issued 90 days' notice of termination of employment last month.

The workforce was transferred from Tesco to Stobart in August and Stobart issued the notices in September with no promise that the drivers will be re-employed once the 90-day period is up.

A token picket was left outside the centre on Tuesday as drivers marched into Doncaster town centre to demonstrate outside the Tesco store there and give out leaflets.

Unite regional officer Harriet Eisner told the Morning Star: "There was a fantastic response from the public - the drivers were cheered as they marched along. There was huge support."

She said the action - by 100 per cent of the drivers involved - was "very successful."

Unite had campaigned for the jobs to be safeguarded once the Tupe - Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) arrangements - came into force at the beginning of August.

Ms Eisner said: "Tupe does not offer the kind of protection people really need - it's only up to a point."

She said talks are due to take place with Stobart next Tuesday.

A Tesco spokesman said: "We continue to hope that the drivers and Eddie Stobart Ltd will reach an agreement."