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Tesco Distribution Five Book 2025 Pay Review

Consultative Industrial Action Ballot 

It is essential that all members cast their vote in the consultative industrial action ballot.

As you will be aware, you, our members, have rejected the company's offer with regard to the 2025 pay review. Further to this, the company has opted to not put forward a further offer.

The Union therefore has no other option but to move to a consultative industrial action ballot. We have listened to our members and feel that this is now the only option. The Union has not taken this decision lightly and has been guided by the views of our Shop Stewards. 

The ballot will run from Saturday, 12 July to 12 noon on Monday, 28 July 2025. Please return your ballot paper in the envelope provided to arrive at Usdaw's Head Office by no later than 12 noon on Monday, 28 July 2025. Please send your vote to us ASAP to ensure your vote is counted and reaches us prior to the ballot closing.

It is absolutely vital that every member uses their vote in this important ballot in order to demonstrate the strength of feeling and send a clear message to the company. Regardless of whether you are for or against industrial action, please vote.

If the Union does not meet the legal industrial action thresholds in this consultative ballot, it is likely that the company will implement the set of proposals our members rejected, effectively ending the 2025 pay review process.

You are the Union. This is your ballot – Use it

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that are not answered below, please speak to your Usdaw Rep on site, or contact 0800 030 8030.

What is industrial action?

Generally speaking, industrial action is collective action taken by employees to put pressure on an employer in respect of a particular area. This includes measures such as strike action. 

What is a consultative industrial action ballot?

A consultative industrial action ballot is a union ballot which is run to give the trade union an understanding of whether members would be willing to take industrial action regarding the company's 2025 pay review offer.

Who can take part in the consultative industrial action ballot?

Tesco Distribution staff covered by the Five Book agreement who are Usdaw members can take part in the ballot. The Five Book agreement covers hourly paid staff working in Daventry Clothing, Goole, Lichfield, Livingston and Peterborough DCs.

Why is the Union conducting a consultative industrial action ballot?

Our members have rejected the company's proposal via ballot. Following the rejection, the company has not put forward a further offer. We have listened to our members and feel that a move towards industrial action is now the only option to get an acceptable offer from the company. We have not taken this decision lightly and have been guided by the views of our Reps.

When will the ballot open?

The ballot will open on Saturday, 12 July 2025 and close at 12 noon on Monday, 28 July 2025. Regardless of whether you are for or against industrial action, please vote.

Do I have to tell the company how I am voting in the ballot?

No, you do not have to inform the company that you are voting or how you have voted. If we move to a formal ballot this is also private and will be posted to your home address.

What are the thresholds the Union needs to meet?

At least 50% of eligible Usdaw members must submit a vote, and the majority (+50%) must vote in favour of strike action. If the majority of votes cast are in favour of strike action, but less than 50% of Usdaw members placed a vote, the thresholds have not been met.

In order to send a strong message to the business, we would need to comfortably exceed the 50% thresholds, as a low turnout or close ballot would not show clear willingness to be involved in industrial action.

What will happen if the Union does not hit the legal industrial action thresholds?

If the Union does not meet the legal industrial action thresholds, it is likely that the company will implement the set of proposals our members previously rejected, effectively ending the 2025 pay review process.

This is what happened in the 2024 process. The required thresholds in the consultative industrial action ballot were not met, meaning we could not move to a formal ballot, and the proposals members had previous rejected were implemented, which ended the process. That is why it is vital that every member uses their vote this year.

Will this lead to a formal industrial action ballot?

If members indicate that they are sufficiently willing to take part in industrial action and

the company's offer does not change, then we will move to a formal industrial action ballot. There is no guarantee that industrial action will secure a new offer from the company or that any new offer will be backdated.

Will I get paid if I take any industrial action?

Your employer does not have to pay you for hours where you are taking strike action, so you will not be paid whilst on strike. The Union dispute benefit (strike pay) is set at a rate of £65 per week, pro-rated to £13 per day. This will be paid for each day you are on strike. This payment will be made by bank transfer following receipt of a list of those who have taken part in action from your Shop Stewards.

Would I be in breach of my contract if I go on strike?

Yes, all industrial action is a potential breach of contract.  However, the law protects workers from dismissal whilst taking part in lawful industrial action or at any time within 12 weeks of the start of the action. Usdaw would fully defend any member who is disciplined as a result of industrial action.

Does voting for industrial action in this ballot mean I will have to take part in industrial action?

If you are not willing to take industrial action, please do not vote for industrial action. Whilst you are able to change your vote in the legal ballot, it is highly damaging to the Union's future negotiating position if we run a formal ballot and fail to meet the thresholds because our members have changed their minds after the consultive ballot result.

Are the Union exploring other options as well as industrial action?

The Union remains open to further negotiations with a view to securing an improved offer, however at this stage, with the company not putting forward a further offer, we believe this is now the only option left on the table.

Why have I/has my colleague not received a postal ballot?

If you or your colleague have not received a postal ballot, please email [email protected] with your full name, membership number (if known), date of birth and postal address and a replacement can be sent out as soon as possible. 

It is absolutely vital that every member uses their vote in this important ballot in order to demonstrate the strength of feeling and send a clear message to the company. You are the Union. This is your ballot – Use it.