More than 3,000 Tesco distribution workers and HGV drivers across the UK are being balloted on strike action over pay, with roughly 600 based in Doncaster among those included.
What’s at stake locally
The ballot, organised by Unite, follows a rejection of a 4% pay offer from Tesco. Warehouse staff say that offer lags behind the 5.1% increase awarded to store colleagues. If members move from a consultative ballot to formal industrial action, distribution to stores could be affected.
- Doncaster: about 600 workers and drivers
- Didcot: around 700
- Belfast: some 400
- Thurrock: about 1,400
The ballot closes on 17 August. Unite said its members had already voted overwhelmingly in a consultative ballot in favour of taking action.
Union and company context
Unite’s national leadership has framed the dispute around what it describes as a gap between Tesco’s financial performance and the pay on offer to distribution staff. Tesco reported an adjusted operating profit of £3.2bn for 2025/26 and has forecast adjusted operating profits of between £3bn and £3.3bn for 2026/27.
“Tesco is making massive profits and paying out millions in shareholder dividends and executive pay while their own workers are left to struggle with a baked in cost-of-living crisis,”
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said the union would back members fully and warned of possible supply shortages if an acceptable offer is not made. Unite’s national officer for road transport and logistics added that there remains time to avoid action if Tesco improves its proposals.
Local impact and what residents should expect
Distribution centre staff and HGV drivers are responsible for moving stock from regional depots to stores, so any coordinated stoppage could lead to reduced deliveries and occasional empty shelves. At present there is no confirmed strike date — the ballot outcome will determine next steps.
| Site | Approx. workers balloted |
|---|---|
| Didcot | 700 |
| Belfast | 400 |
| Doncaster | 600 |
| Thurrock | 1,400 |
Shoppers concerned about supplies should keep an eye on notices at their local stores for delivery updates and on messages from Tesco and Unite. We have approached Tesco for a comment on the Doncaster site and its pay offer.
Further coverage will follow after the ballot closes and if any dates for industrial action are announced.
