Tesco 'empty shelves' strike threat ends as 600 Doncaster workers land pay deal
More than 3,000 Tesco warehouse workers across the UK have landed an improved pay deal
An “empty shelves” strike threat by Tesco workers - including 600 Doncaster staff - has ended after union bosses secured an inflation-busting pay rise for more than 3,000 workers.
Distribution workers in at Doncaster’s Middle Bank depot as well as Belfast, Didcot and Thurrock are celebrating a 4.5 per cent wage increase.
Unite, the UK’s leading union, secured the 4.5 per cent pay rise after workers began balloting for strike action. The deal was secured without the need for industrial action.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Well done to Tesco’s distribution workers who secured this pay rise because they are unionised.
“Unite’s top priority is defending and improving our members’ jobs, pay and conditions.”
Around 700 Didcot workers, 400 Belfast workers, 600 Doncaster workers and 1,400 Thurrock workers will benefit from the pay rise, after voting to accept the deal.
Unite national officer for road transport and logistics Adrian Jones said: “This result is prime example of why those who want better wages and working lives should join Unite and organise their colleagues to join as well. There is power in a union.”
Workers previously rejected a four per cent pay rise, which was considerably below the 5.1 per cent given to store staff.
Tesco reported adjusted operating profits of £3.2 billion for 2025/26 and forecasts an adjusted operating profit of between £3 billion and £3.3 billion for 2026/27.