// Tesco strikes pay deal with trade union Usdaw to avert a strike by workers
// The union recently rejected the grocer’s planned 4% pay increase for staff
// The planned strike of warehouse workers and drivers would have effected 9 distribution centres
Tesco has signed a pay deal with trade union Usdaw to avert a strike by workers at nine of its distribution centres.
Usdaw members had threatened to walk out from December 20 until Christmas Eve, with members also threatening to walk out of distribution centres if Tesco did not improve its pay offer.
The union recently rejected the grocer’s planned 4% pay increase for staff as workers said this fell below current inflation levels.
READ MORE: Tesco agrees to reopen talks with Usdaw as it faces Christmas strike threat
The planned strike of warehouse workers and drivers would have affected nine distribution centres in Daventry, Goole, Hinckley, Lichfield, Livingston, Peterborough, Southampton, as well as two sites in Magor.
Usdaw said “secured a new and much improved pay offer”, with 5000 of its members now set to vote on the deal.
“After the overwhelming vote in favour of industrial action, Tesco reopened pay negotiations with Usdaw,” Usdaw national officer Joanne McGuinness said.
“I am pleased to say that we have been successful in achieving a significantly improved offer and Usdaw is recommending that members accept it in the ballot.”
Tesco said: “We’re pleased to have agreed a pay deal with Usdaw 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.”
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