Drivers refuse to break Tesco strike

A BID to beat the Tesco driver's strike appears to have failed after drivers at one of Britain's best-known haulage firms refused £500 each to breach picket lines.

The last-ditch offer was made to Eddie Stobart staff ahead of a three-day strike by workers at the supermarket's Scottish distribution centre in Livingston next Thursday.

The threatened industrial action, which could result in empty shelves at nearly 100 stores, is over claims that staff will lose up to 6000 a year following changes to terms and conditions.

Sources within Carlisle-based Eddie Stobart said drivers were told they would be paid 500 on top of their wages to carry out the work for Tesco. The offer meant they would receive more than 2000 for three 12-hour shifts. They were also to be provided with food and drink and accommodation at a premium hotel during their time in the Lothians. But when staff found out they would have to cross the picket line at the Caputhall Road plant they said they were not willing to do the work.

One worker at the firm's headquarters said: "I know of at least 11 people who were offered an incentive bonus to go and work for Tesco during the strike. They all agreed but they were not told they would be strike-breaking - nobody informed them of that.

"But when union representatives contacted them, they all agreed to drop out in support of the Livingston drivers."

The drivers would normally be paid between 480 and 550 by Eddie Stobart for each of three 12-hour shifts. But they were being offered a further 500 for the work, as well as the accommodation, food and drink, which is not normally included.

The workers, based at Carlisle and Crick, near Leicester, only found out that the bonus was for breaking a picket line after being told by union officials.

The Carlisle-based source added: "They would have only found out that there was a strike when they got to the gates. They weren't informed of what they were doing. They are giving absolute assurance now that they will not cross that picket line."

The main dispute with the drivers in Livingston is over new terms and conditions they say they are being forced to accept in order to work at the new 75 million national distribution centre at the Deansway Industrial Estate. The T&G union claims changes to the hours that qualify for premium shift rates will lead to some drivers losing 3000-6000 a year.

Negotiations broke down earlier this month amid claims that Tesco had removed its recognition of the union.

Tony Trench, Edinburgh regional officer for the T&G, said: "We think that this is an appalling way to do business - throwing large sums of money to get people to strike-break instead of sitting down and negotiating with us in an orderly fashion. We are humbly grateful to these guys who have turned down such large sums of money to support their comrades."

A spokesman for Tesco denied that the company had directly offered the drivers a 500 bonus. He added: "Eddie Stobart is a key operating partner of Tesco's at all times and will continue to supply us next week."

Nobody from Eddie Stobart was available to comment.