Tesco's delay on pay cuts 'unlikely to prevent industrial action' - union

Tesco workers say plans by management to defer pay cuts are unlikely to make any difference to the outcome of their ballot on strike action.

Some 12,500 staff, represented by the trade union Mandate, are to reveal the results of their ballot at lunchtime which will dictate whether they take industrial action.

Tesco has opened a voluntary redundancy scheme and has deferred reductions in pay and conditions until next month.

However Gerry Light, Mandate's assistant general secretary, said that was unlikely to help.

"The anger and frustration that was reflected in the stores when we were conducting the ballot means it's very likely it's going to be a yes vote for industrial action," he said.

"We note the company has moved their self-imposed implementation date. There doesn't have to be a dispute. We would urge the company to come back into direct negotiations, or back into the process in the Workplace Relations Commission or the Labour Court."