Unite members to be balloted for industrial action at Tesco’s
distribution facility
6th July 2009
Unite members at Tesco’s distribution facility in Chepstow will
be balloted for industrial action over the company’s decision to
relocate them just eight miles over the border in Avonmouth,
Bristol.
Unite, the UK's largest trade union, is deeply concerned that
the decision directly threatens the livelihoods of over 750 workers
at the depot who will be asked to sign new inferior contracts or
face redundancy if they do not accept the poorer terms.
After months of negotiations Tesco has also stated that it will
derecognise Unite, the union's right to negotiate with the company
on employees' behalf, when it moves its operations to
Avonmouth.
Ron Webb, Unite national secretary, said: “What Tesco is hiding
behind this move is that it wants to keep the workers, but only if
they agree to vastly inferior contracts. At the same time they want
to deny workers the chance to be represented by their lawful union.
At a time like this, when workers are frightened for their jobs,
this is an underhand way to get them to agree to pay cuts.
“We will do everything in our power to resist attacks on our
members’ pay and conditions, and defend their recognition rights to
ensure they have the protection and support of their union during
these tough times.
“We are willing to return to the table immediately and enter
into further discussions with Tesco to resolve this issue.”
ENDS
For more information contact Ron Webb on 07976 833487 or Ashraf
Choudhury in the Unite press office on 020 7420 8914 or 07980
224761.
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