Tesco distribution director Laurie McIlwee: not a happy chappy
Tesco made £2.5 billion last year, but clearly that wasn't enough. They caused this confrontation by seeking to derecognise the drivers' union (UNITE), a move the unions says would have cost many drivers £3,000 or more per year.
In self-defence, the drivers voted 126 to 6 for strike action from Thursday 24th to Saturday 26th May.
Tesco then offered Eddie Stobart workers £500 on top of their normal wages, plus food, drink and accommodation in a top hotel, to take on the deliveries. However, they apparently didn't mention anything about the strike.One worker at Eddie Stobart’s headquarters in Carlisle 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.
“When union reps contacted them, they all agreed to drop out in support of the Livingston drivers. They are giving absolute assurance that they will not cross that picket line.”
Tony Trench, a T&G officer in Edinburgh, said, “We are humbly grateful to these guys who have turned down such large sums of money to support their comrades.”Tesco drivers across Britain have declared support for the Scottish drivers, and a nationwide strike seems likely. Clearly, many drivers recognise that derecognition for the Scottish distributors will affect their own deals when they come up for renewal.
Livingston MP Jim Devine has called for a one day boycott of Tesco stores, but this is not the way to go for two reasons. Firstly, Tesco are no better or worse than any of the other supermarkets; they may currently be the biggest in the UK, but the profit motive is the same for all of them. Secondly, it's no good taking any action for just one day and then allowing the exploitative bastards to get on with it!
Wherever we work, the bosses want to get more work out of us for less money. They are forced into this race for the bottom, because the so-called 'free market' pits each against all, on an international level. As always, working class solidarity is vital if the the bosses are to be beaten.
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boycott yes
25.05.2007 01:41
I agree with all of this and unfortunately the boycott will be small. But the issue here is solidarity to this specific strike and not something with greater aims. The suggested boycott is today, I feel pessimistic of its impact, but I hope many more buy their shopings today from somewhere else. Solidarity now.
George
What you can do...
25.05.2007 06:50
2. Explain to family and friends what is happening in Livingston.
3. If you are around Livingston visit the depo and offer support (M8 J3).
4. Ring up the Tesco Customer Service line on 0800 50 55 55 to explain why you arent shopping there any more.
5. If you work for Tescos raise the issue in your union and with your colleagues.
6. If you are in the TGWU examine ways that your branch can support the strikers.
Supporter
Grey area
25.05.2007 23:00
Jim Devine resigned a junior ministerial post over the Trident replacement. He replaced Robin Cook and by all accounts was a friend in the same mould if not with the same strengths. But the basic question remains, 'if you are so decent then why are you still in the Labour Party? And the same question can be extended to every TUC unionised worker - if you deserve our support then why don't you support the unions in Iraq ? Non-TUC unions do.
Solidarity is a two-edged sword but too often it used to cut one way. I am bitter in general about Jim Divine and Unite, and they probably wouldn't want my support anyway. I have skills they don't have though, and easy access to both the warehouse in Livingston and the shopping centre in Bathgate. I can think of a number of supporting actions not on 'Supporter's list. I can also see 'George's point
I dunno, should you support people who don't support anyone else ? Is it worth time inside to cost one of Britains richest companies realitively small profits when you could be doing other things ? I'll go and talk to the picket line if they hold up for a week.
Danny