Disruption to Tesco likely as distributor strike looms
SIPTU members driving for the British based distribution company, Eddie Stobart, have voted for strike action to highlight a number of grievances over their working conditions.
The industrial action by the Eddie Stobart drivers will, most likely, disrupt the business of the Tesco retail chain, said SIPTU Sector Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin.
“These heavy goods vehicle drivers have been trying to resolve a number of grievances around rest time, rosters and general working conditions for some time now but Eddie Stobart has consistently refused to deal with any of these issues. Issues such as fatigue for drivers are complicating the situation to the extent that the drivers are at the end of their tether and feel that they have no alternative but to withdraw their labour to draw attention to their plight.
“As Tesco is the main customer involved there is a danger that an interruption to supply will have a direct impact on the deliveries to its stores. It is not our intention to draw Tesco into this row but ultimately it has engaged Eddie Stobart to drive and deliver products to all its stores nationwide. The Tesco perspective on this dispute would be useful but so far the retail company has remained silent on the matter.”
Notice of the action is due to be served on Eddie Stobart imminently.
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