Consumers in London and the South East could face empty shelves in convenience stores after Unite the Union warned that HGV drivers are to be balloted for strike action over a pay discrepancy. The dispute involves drivers at Tesco's wholesale division, Booker, who deliver products under the Budgens and Londis brands.
Unite said Tesco implemented a £5-an-hour pay rise for drivers at its Booker depot in Hemel Hempstead but refused to match that increase for drivers at its Thamesmead site. The union accused the company of 'burying its head in the sand' and failing to engage in talks, with senior managers described as 'missing in action'.
If strike action goes ahead, up to 1,500 convenience stores across London and the South East could face delivery shortages. The HGV driver shortage in the UK, estimated at 100,000 vacancies by the Road Haulage Association, has already caused supply chain issues for major retailers and fast food outlets.
Unite regional officer Paul Travers said: 'Our Thamesmead members are outraged at the disrespect the management and the company as a whole have shown them. They are very angry as they ballot for industrial action.' The union is gaining new members from other employees disgusted at the company's attitude.
The shortage of HGV drivers has been exacerbated by a backlog of driving tests due to lockdown, EU drivers returning home after Brexit, and the 'pingdemic' forcing drivers into self-isolation. Major supermarkets including Tesco, M&S and Aldi have offered pay rises or bonuses to attract drivers, but the disparity at Booker has sparked the current dispute.
