Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Off Topic => Topic started by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 10:55:08 am

Title: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 10:55:08 am
I must say, I`m very disappointed with the club for allowing scab drivers to park in the KM car parks, it`s alright appealing for the people of Doncaster to turn out and support the club, but how about the club support the working people of Doncaster in their fight to hold on to their jobs, not facilitate tesco and Stobarts attempts to break the strike and the union. Here`s me thinking we were a community club!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 11:11:06 am
Filo, have you read some of the stories regarding the abuse the striking lorry drivers have been throwing at local residents for shopping at Tesco?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: silent majority on December 13, 2012, 11:18:20 am
Filo, isn't this more a case of the club doing what the Police ask (tell) them to do?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 11:19:43 am
Filo, have you read some of the stories regarding the abuse the striking lorry drivers have been throwing at local residents for shopping at Tesco?


No person in Doncaster should use Tesco while this dispute is on going, Doncaster people are being thrown out of work, when the jobs are still there, they`re being given to Drivers from other parts of the country, it`s a disgrace and the club shouldn`t be seen to facilitate Tesco and Stobarts attempts to throw local people out of work, Doncaster has been shafted in the past, we should n`t let it happen again, every Tesco store should be picketed!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 11:22:34 am
Filo, isn't this more a case of the club doing what the Police ask (tell) them to do?



The Police can request, but the club does n`t have to accommodate them, the car parks are private property, are they not? Scabs should not be accommodated!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 11:23:48 am
Still, the club can say no can they not? The Police don't own the land!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 11:26:41 am
Filo, have you read some of the stories regarding the abuse the striking lorry drivers have been throwing at local residents for shopping at Tesco?


No person in Doncaster should use Tesco while this dispute is on going, Doncaster people are being thrown out of work, when the jobs are still there, they`re being given to Drivers from other parts of the country, it`s a disgrace and the club shouldn`t be seen to facilitate Tesco and Stobarts attempts to throw local people out of work, Doncaster has been shafted in the past, we should n`t let it happen again, every Tesco store should be picketed!

If I want to shop at Tesco, that is my choice. My decision. I shouldn't have to endure abuse thrown at me for making that choice.

Read some comments on the local press sites and Facebook about the abuse shoppers have had from those protesting outside the Tesco in the town centre, people walking into the store with their children. Now that is a disgrace.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 11:31:30 am
Filo, have you read some of the stories regarding the abuse the striking lorry drivers have been throwing at local residents for shopping at Tesco?


No person in Doncaster should use Tesco while this dispute is on going, Doncaster people are being thrown out of work, when the jobs are still there, they`re being given to Drivers from other parts of the country, it`s a disgrace and the club shouldn`t be seen to facilitate Tesco and Stobarts attempts to throw local people out of work, Doncaster has been shafted in the past, we should n`t let it happen again, every Tesco store should be picketed!

If I want to shop at Tesco, that is my choice. My decision. I shouldn't have to endure abuse thrown at me for making that choice.

Read some comments on the local press sites and Facebook about the abuse shoppers have had from those protesting outside the Tesco in the town centre, people walking into the store with their children. Now that is a disgrace.


It`s called Solidarity my friend, go to Asda or Sainsbury`s, a small price to pay to support your fellow Townsfolk in their efforts to save their jobs, the club should tell the Scab drivers to sling their hooks, I pay £100 a year to park there, yet the scabs park for free, the club should be showing some support to the local community!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 11:35:13 am
Filo, have you read some of the stories regarding the abuse the striking lorry drivers have been throwing at local residents for shopping at Tesco?


No person in Doncaster should use Tesco while this dispute is on going, Doncaster people are being thrown out of work, when the jobs are still there, they`re being given to Drivers from other parts of the country, it`s a disgrace and the club shouldn`t be seen to facilitate Tesco and Stobarts attempts to throw local people out of work, Doncaster has been shafted in the past, we should n`t let it happen again, every Tesco store should be picketed!

If I want to shop at Tesco, that is my choice. My decision. I shouldn't have to endure abuse thrown at me for making that choice.

Read some comments on the local press sites and Facebook about the abuse shoppers have had from those protesting outside the Tesco in the town centre, people walking into the store with their children. Now that is a disgrace.


It`s called Solidarity my friend, go to Asda or Sainsbury`s, a small price to pay to support your fellow Townsfolk in their efforts to save their jobs, the club should tell the Scab drivers to sling their hooks, I pay £100 a year to park there, yet the scabs park for free, the club should be showing some support to the local community!

I agree about the car park situation. Unless they are paying a hefty sum to Rovers for the luxury.

I don't however agree with protestors abusing families who may not be fully aware of the situation.

Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on December 13, 2012, 11:38:00 am
I got abuse from some outside our Tesco also. Protest all they like but don't block the road at edenthorpe some of us just wanted to go home. Can someone summarise what's actually gone on with this dispute?  To me the actions of the picketers outside stores have been awful.  No doubt union activists some of them, those guys help nobody.

Rovers for me do the right thing trying to stay out of it and doing as police request.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: silent majority on December 13, 2012, 11:39:46 am
Still, the club can say no can they not? The Police don't own the land!

Yep, very true. But if you want to minimise your extortionate Police bill at the next few home games then maybe a little cooperation wouldn't go amiss.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 13, 2012, 11:42:05 am
I got abuse from some outside our Tesco also. Protest all they like but don't block the road at edenthorpe some of us just wanted to go home. Can someone summarise what's actually gone on with this dispute?  To me the actions of the picketers outside stores have been awful.  No doubt union activists some of them, those guys help nobody.

Rovers for me do the right thing trying to stay out of it and doing as police request.

Tesco transferred the drivers contracts to Stobarts who immediately put the drivers on a 3 month redundancy consultation period. Most of them have received their statutory redundancy notices in the last few days.

Personally, I am all for the strikes and the protests, The way the drivers have been treated is disgusting.

You can clearly see who is right wing in this thread... as for saying keeping people out of it because they aren't aware of the situation, maybe that should apply to the posters too?!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 12:02:07 pm
I got abuse from some outside our Tesco also. Protest all they like but don't block the road at edenthorpe some of us just wanted to go home. Can someone summarise what's actually gone on with this dispute?  To me the actions of the picketers outside stores have been awful.  No doubt union activists some of them, those guys help nobody.

Rovers for me do the right thing trying to stay out of it and doing as police request.

Tesco transferred the drivers contracts to Stobarts who immediately put the drivers on a 3 month redundancy consultation period. Most of them have received their statutory redundancy notices in the last few days.

Personally, I am all for the strikes and the protests, The way the drivers have been treated is disgusting.

You can clearly see who is right wing in this thread... as for saying keeping people out of it because they aren't aware of the situation, maybe that should apply to the posters too?!

The thing is, once you start to abuse the general public, you lose the respect and support of those you're trying to win over. No need for it. Keep the protests peaceful.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: silent majority on December 13, 2012, 12:03:13 pm
Jenny/all,

Don't bring politics into this thread otherwise I will move it to Off Topic. The only reason its here is how it affects the Rovers.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 12:10:29 pm
I got abuse from some outside our Tesco also. Protest all they like but don't block the road at edenthorpe some of us just wanted to go home. Can someone summarise what's actually gone on with this dispute?  To me the actions of the picketers outside stores have been awful.  No doubt union activists some of them, those guys help nobody.

Rovers for me do the right thing trying to stay out of it and doing as police request.


They have n`t stayed out of it, because they`ve let the scabs park there
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 12:17:43 pm
Jenny/all,

Don't bring politics into this thread otherwise I will move it to Off Topic. The only reason its here is how it affects the Rovers.


Martin, you`re old enough to remember the miners strike and how the Doncaster area was shafted then, the same is happening here all be it on a smaller scale, the club and the VSC for that matter keep telling us about the work in the community, well this is a community issue affecting some people directly, the club could have just stayed neutral and just stated that they were n`t prepared to be drawn into the dispute and would not like the clubs property to be used by either party, instead they agreed to the request to let the scabs park there, thus they have involved themselves in the dispute
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 13, 2012, 12:21:43 pm
Jenny/all,

Don't bring politics into this thread otherwise I will move it to Off Topic. The only reason its here is how it affects the Rovers.

I like how I am the only one named there - if its okay for one the VSC directors to take it off topic why can't we follow suit?

Moving the thread doesn't make it go away.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 12:29:55 pm
Still, the club can say no can they not? The Police don't own the land!

Yep, very true. But if you want to minimise your extortionate Police bill at the next few home games then maybe a little cooperation wouldn't go amiss.


Martin, I can`t believe that you might think that this will make any difference to the policing bill at future games
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: RobTheRover on December 13, 2012, 12:31:55 pm
Jenny, dont take it personally.  Its not a threat, just housekeeping.  We know some forum users come onto the main forum just for Rovers news, and something which goes in another direction should maybe be in Off Topic.

Lets see how this one goes.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: godlike1 on December 13, 2012, 12:36:56 pm
I got abuse from some outside our Tesco also. Protest all they like but don't block the road at edenthorpe some of us just wanted to go home. Can someone summarise what's actually gone on with this dispute?  To me the actions of the picketers outside stores have been awful.  No doubt union activists some of them, those guys help nobody.

Rovers for me do the right thing trying to stay out of it and doing as police request.


They have n`t stayed out of it, because they`ve let the scabs park there

Filo

will you stop calling those who more than likely have no choice but go to work because they cannot afford to go on strike.  Its nothing short of ignorant.

No i do not condone the actions of Tesco or Stobart but attacking others at the same level as yourselve for their actions is no way to get any respect from me or the public
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 13, 2012, 12:46:31 pm
Most of the drivers have gone on strike - it will be the agency/existing stobarts staff who are still there...

As an insight to how Stobarts treat people, my uncle drives for an agency and has driven out of the Tesco Doncaster Depot with the said agency for some time now. He was called and asked if he would be willing to drive when they were striking a few weeks ago, and was basically told that if he would cross the picket, he would get work until March and if he wouldn't, then he would more than likely get nothing at all going forward. Nice underhand tactics again.

Its like 1984 again in my family.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: RobTheRover on December 13, 2012, 12:51:09 pm

Its like 1984 again....

I hope its not, Jenny.  I dont have that BMX any more.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: AbsolutDRFC on December 13, 2012, 12:53:25 pm

Its like 1984 again....

I hope its not, Jenny.  I dont have that BMX any more.

But did we get promoted in 1984!!!
So all wasn't bad.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 01:05:04 pm
I got abuse from some outside our Tesco also. Protest all they like but don't block the road at edenthorpe some of us just wanted to go home. Can someone summarise what's actually gone on with this dispute?  To me the actions of the picketers outside stores have been awful.  No doubt union activists some of them, those guys help nobody.

Rovers for me do the right thing trying to stay out of it and doing as police request.


They have n`t stayed out of it, because they`ve let the scabs park there

Filo

will you stop calling those who more than likely have no choice but go to work because they cannot afford to go on strike.  Its nothing short of ignorant.

No i do not condone the actions of Tesco or Stobart but attacking others at the same level as yourselve for their actions is no way to get any respect from me or the public

A scab is a scab, how else would you describe them?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: godlike1 on December 13, 2012, 01:17:30 pm
I got abuse from some outside our Tesco also. Protest all they like but don't block the road at edenthorpe some of us just wanted to go home. Can someone summarise what's actually gone on with this dispute?  To me the actions of the picketers outside stores have been awful.  No doubt union activists some of them, those guys help nobody.

Rovers for me do the right thing trying to stay out of it and doing as police request.


They have n`t stayed out of it, because they`ve let the scabs park there

Filo

will you stop calling those who more than likely have no choice but go to work because they cannot afford to go on strike.  Its nothing short of ignorant.

No i do not condone the actions of Tesco or Stobart but attacking others at the same level as yourselve for their actions is no way to get any respect from me or the public

A scab is a scab, how else would you describe them?

Well if that's the most intelligent answer you can come up with, then I will show you the same level of respect and ignorance you are showing others by stating your also a scab. That's right you are:

A hardend crust of blood and serum :-)
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: graingrover on December 13, 2012, 01:52:40 pm
thankyou Jenny for your objective analysis .Otherwise difficult forexpats to understand. i do now and support the drivers. If uk had signed the European Social contract all theses underhand machiavellic workings to sack people would never have been legal in UK .
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 01:54:29 pm
thankyou Jenny for your objective analysis .Otherwise difficult forexpats to understand. i do now and support the drivers. If uk had signed the European Social contract all theses underhand machiavellic workings to sack people would never have been legal in UK .

It still doesn't excuse the behavior of those abusing the general public.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: IDM on December 13, 2012, 01:57:43 pm
So the ones actually laying off local drives and bringing in outside drives are Stobarts, not Tesco?

Did Tesco know this before giving the work to Stobart, or for Tesco was this just a decision based on cost effectiveness (to them)? 

Someone somewhere has made a business decision that has a negative effect on some of Doncaster's population.  I have no issue with those affected, their neighbours and friends, protesting this decision in some way.  In the same light, I can understand that Tesco/Stobart have a business to run.

What will boycotting Tesco stores achieve? Will that not threaten the jobs of other Doncaster residents who work at Tesco?

By the way, I am in no way "right wing" nowhere near.  I don't necessarily agree with how Tesco/Stobart has gone about this, nor do I condone extreme protests.  Perhaps the protests should be directed at Stobart/Tesco head office, not the local stores where more folks get affected.

And for the term "scab", surely it is time to move on.  I find this term wholly offensive, even though I lived in Yorkshire during the miners' strike, and I supported the strikers. 
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: graingrover on December 13, 2012, 02:25:27 pm
In the absence of structured Union Power people will be reduced to taking ad hoc miltant action . That shouldn't be a surprise if you reflect on Universal social history available to all colours creeds and political persuasions if interested.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Wellred on December 13, 2012, 02:33:02 pm
Sorry IDM but I can't really believe you are so naive to believe what you just posted.
How on earth can the people who are being put on the dole by Tesco/Stobarts picket either of their head offices?
They are local people so they want to let local people try and affect the situation.
If everyone stopped shopping at every Tesco store in Doncaster for a week I guarantee every one of those drivers would be reinstated.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 02:42:59 pm
Sorry IDM but I can't really believe you are so naive to believe what you just posted.
How on earth can the people who are being put on the dole by Tesco/Stobarts picket either of their head offices?
They are local people so they want to let local people try and affect the situation.
If everyone stopped shopping at every Tesco store in Doncaster for a week I guarantee every one of those drivers would be reinstated.

Again, how does this give those protesting a right to abuse those walking in and out of Tesco.

On another note, Tesco is building a huge new store in the borough, thus creating more employment for the town.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Wellred on December 13, 2012, 02:47:09 pm
So every Tesco driver is hurling abuse at every Tesco shopper? Come off it you know that isn't true.
As for Tesco opening a new store in Doncaster. The only reason they are doing that is they see more £££££££.
So its ok for Tesco to go throwing drivers on the dole as they are opening a new store?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: bobjimwilly on December 13, 2012, 02:49:06 pm
I might have got this one wrong, so please correct me if I have, but shouldn't the drivers be protesting against Stobbarts as they're the company making drivers redundant?  :huh:
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 02:51:28 pm
So every Tesco driver is hurling abuse at every Tesco shopper? Come off it you know that isn't true.
As for Tesco opening a new store in Doncaster. The only reason they are doing that is they see more £££££££.
So its ok for Tesco to go throwing drivers on the dole as they are opening a new store?

I'm not saying every driver is doing it, but it is happening. Do you think those on the end of verbal abuse are now sympathetic to their cause? Absolutely not.

Of course Tesco will be opening a store to maximise profits. Why wouldn't they? They are a business, and the main reason of business to to turn a profit. However they will be creating jobs for over 100 people.

Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 03:47:07 pm
Dispute has ended. Feel free to shop at Tesco again.

http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/business/long-running-doncaster-tesco-drivers-dispute-comes-to-an-end-1-5222722
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: NorthNorfolkRover on December 13, 2012, 04:36:23 pm
Yeah go to Tesco for the cheap prices achieved by bullying the unemployed into working for nothing. Alright as long as its not your family involved. As for Silent Majority seeing helping the Police as staying out of it South Yorkshire Police wouldnt be facing so many enquiries if they did.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 04:44:52 pm
Not sure why this has been moved to off topic, I started the thread because it was relevant to Rovers
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 13, 2012, 04:57:31 pm
Yeah go to Tesco for the cheap prices achieved by bullying the unemployed into working for nothing. Alright as long as its not your family involved. As for Silent Majority seeing helping the Police as staying out of it South Yorkshire Police wouldnt be facing so many enquiries if they did.

I'm sure they pay the minimum wage.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: AbsolutDRFC on December 13, 2012, 04:58:34 pm
I might have got this one wrong, so please correct me if I have, but shouldn't the drivers be protesting against Stobbarts as they're the company making drivers redundant?  :huh:

Good point Rob.
However what hasn't been mentioned yet; is what salaries the drivers were on in the first place?
Granted it's not their fault, but I wonder if they may have been overpaid relative to the market rates (which is why, presumably, Tesco switched their operations to Stobart; and why we saw these problems).

Although I'm sure there won't have been any complaints at the time.....
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 13, 2012, 05:52:36 pm
I guess none of you need to worry about it anymore.... Industrial action called off, 200 or so men out of jobs as of now. You can all go to the football on Saturday without worrying that some nasty men will delay you a few minutes.

Merry Christmas one and all!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: jonnydog on December 13, 2012, 06:02:13 pm
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Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: GM-MarkB on December 13, 2012, 06:39:41 pm
I can tell you from personal experience that the Drivers bieng made redundant will have a hell of a job getting what is rightfully theirs from Stobarts. I worked for a company that was bought and within 12 months shut down by them. That was in 2009.....I (and the rest of the people I worked with) got part of my redundancy in August this year after a long battle that included the help of John Mann MP fron Woksop. The second part of my pay off should be coming in January.

Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: RoversAlias on December 13, 2012, 06:58:19 pm
I got abuse from some outside our Tesco also. Protest all they like but don't block the road at edenthorpe some of us just wanted to go home. Can someone summarise what's actually gone on with this dispute?  To me the actions of the picketers outside stores have been awful.  No doubt union activists some of them, those guys help nobody.

Rovers for me do the right thing trying to stay out of it and doing as police request.


They have n`t stayed out of it, because they`ve let the scabs park there

Filo

will you stop calling those who more than likely have no choice but go to work because they cannot afford to go on strike.  Its nothing short of ignorant.

No i do not condone the actions of Tesco or Stobart but attacking others at the same level as yourselve for their actions is no way to get any respect from me or the public

A scab is a scab, how else would you describe them?

How old are you? This 'scabs' business is pathetic, always did find it so. I absolutely abhor strike action because of the kind of attitude that it creates in people. Protesting against unfair treatment etc. is fine, but to hurl abuse at people for shopping in Tesco or to call all those who go in to work against the wishes of the unions 'scabs' is appalling. It is abhorrent and is one of the main reasons that I think Ed Miliband's Labour party is one of the most disgusting organisations to exist near power in the world.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: BobG on December 13, 2012, 10:15:47 pm
Ok. so the Bryant and May match girls should still be covered in phosphorous then?  Jawbones, arm bones, finger bones all being physically destroyed i a stinking mass of putrefaction (and that's no exaggeration either).  Women should still not be able to vote? Christ Almighty! It is ONLY by collective action that anything, anything at all, has ever happened to improve the lot of the working man.

Of course, the abuses of the 'bosses' doesn't involve striking, or abusing locals. But have you EVER wondered just why that should be? And what the consequences of enfeebled collective bargaining might be? Hint: there are quite a number of cracking examples in front of our eyes right now.

You ought to thank your lucky stars Alias. I dread to think where you, me and everyone else on here would be without a century and more of collective bargaining and political power.  No NHS for a start. No safety legislation. No votes for women. No free education. No clean air. F*** me. I'm just gobsmacked by the ignorance and Daily Mail rhetoric on display in your last few lines Alias.

BobG
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Viking Don on December 13, 2012, 10:54:59 pm
So it's OK to shop to shop at Tesco now is it? Even though all the drivers are out of work next year with a few squids in their pocket and such great employment prospects.

I'm with Filo.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 13, 2012, 11:12:02 pm
So it's OK to shop to shop at Tesco now is it? Even though all the drivers are out of work next year with a few squids in their pocket and such great employment prospects.

I'm with Filo.


Power to the people comrade VD! :)
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: RoversAlias on December 13, 2012, 11:35:14 pm
You ought to thank your lucky stars Alias. I dread to think where you, me and everyone else on here would be without a century and more of collective bargaining and political power.  No NHS for a start. No safety legislation. No votes for women. No free education. No clean air. F*** me. I'm just gobsmacked by the ignorance and Daily Mail rhetoric on display in your last few lines Alias.

BobG

Really? I love this attitude, and I have to deal with it all the time. Labour (the MODERN party, not your Clement Atlees and all that) did a great deal to damage this country in recent years and they've certainly done their bit to damage Doncaster. Yet I still have people come up to me and tell me their reasoning behind voting for Labour still is "well my dad does and Thatcher f**ked the miners etc.". It's ridiculous.

What annoyed me here was the high-and-mighty attitude of a section of those protesting. Like I said before - hurling abuse at people shopping in Tesco is not on, and certainly turning mob on those who dare to go in and keep on working to make money for their families is really not right. I make it clear that I'm not on the side of Tesco/Stobart in this dispute, but that doesn't excuse how some on the other side act. This 'scabs' business gets right on my nerves and always has. It always will. Filo's post summed up the attitude of those who use that label by saying "a scab is a scab".
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 14, 2012, 09:50:38 am
A person that is prepared to cross a picket line to the detriment of the workers with a grievance is a scab in my eyes, just like strike breakers are. If the workers of this Country stuck together during disputes rather than being selfish, the anti union laws put in place by the Tories would n`t be worth the paper they were written on, working conditions would be better, there would be less companies paying the bare minimum and employment agencies would n`t get away with treating people like shit!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: jonrover on December 14, 2012, 10:35:23 am
Dispute has ended. Feel free to shop at Tesco again.

http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/business/long-running-doncaster-tesco-drivers-dispute-comes-to-an-end-1-5222722

I'll never set foot in another Tesco store again thank you very much. Apart from to fill a trolley with a couple of hundreds of quids worth of shopping, have it rung through the till and refuse to pay because of the way Tesco treat their workers, as I did on Saturday at the town centre store whilst the protests were going on.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: jonrover on December 14, 2012, 10:37:51 am
Yeah go to Tesco for the cheap prices achieved by bullying the unemployed into working for nothing. Alright as long as its not your family involved. As for Silent Majority seeing helping the Police as staying out of it South Yorkshire Police wouldnt be facing so many enquiries if they did.

I'm sure they pay the minimum wage.

Not heard of WORKFARE. Tesco are one of the main users of this free labour scheme by the Con/Dems.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on December 14, 2012, 10:52:01 am
A person that is prepared to cross a picket line to the detriment of the workers with a grievance is a scab in my eyes, just like strike breakers are. If the workers of this Country stuck together during disputes rather than being selfish, the anti union laws put in place by the Tories would n`t be worth the paper they were written on, working conditions would be better, there would be less companies paying the bare minimum and employment agencies would n`t get away with treating people like shit!

If it was me I'd be more concerned about my family, my prospects than solidarity with other workers, but that's just me.

My opinion on this is that the decision to simply sack them is wrong, I'm pretty sure they could find them alternative works within Stobart surely? 

But I don't at all think unions help theirselves in these situations (or most situations).  The lorry drivers get huge sympathy from me, but they're simply badly advised.  From what I saw the trouble causing aspects at my local Tesco didn't look like lorry drivers to me (I assume as usual it's the union activists again causing trouble).  They help nobody but their own egotistical views and their concerns don't at all ever seem to be about their fellow workers but focussed solely on their political anti government views.  It seems strange to me that all they could negotiate was a better redundancy package, you'd think they could've negotiated better terms for their members and helped them keep jobs wouldn't you?  I mean you can't tell me Stobart can take over and not need extra staff?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 14, 2012, 11:19:57 am
Dispute has ended. Feel free to shop at Tesco again.

http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/business/long-running-doncaster-tesco-drivers-dispute-comes-to-an-end-1-5222722

I'll never set foot in another Tesco store again thank you very much. Apart from to fill a trolley with a couple of hundreds of quids worth of shopping, have it rung through the till and refuse to pay because of the way Tesco treat their workers, as I did on Saturday at the town centre store whilst the protests were going on.

Bravo.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 14, 2012, 11:34:58 am
A person that is prepared to cross a picket line to the detriment of the workers with a grievance is a scab in my eyes, just like strike breakers are. If the workers of this Country stuck together during disputes rather than being selfish, the anti union laws put in place by the Tories would n`t be worth the paper they were written on, working conditions would be better, there would be less companies paying the bare minimum and employment agencies would n`t get away with treating people like shit!

If it was me I'd be more concerned about my family, my prospects than solidarity with other workers, but that's just me.

My opinion on this is that the decision to simply sack them is wrong, I'm pretty sure they could find them alternative works within Stobart surely? 

But I don't at all think unions help theirselves in these situations (or most situations).  The lorry drivers get huge sympathy from me, but they're simply badly advised.  From what I saw the trouble causing aspects at my local Tesco didn't look like lorry drivers to me (I assume as usual it's the union activists again causing trouble).  They help nobody but their own egotistical views and their concerns don't at all ever seem to be about their fellow workers but focussed solely on their political anti government views.  It seems strange to me that all they could negotiate was a better redundancy package, you'd think they could've negotiated better terms for their members and helped them keep jobs wouldn't you?  I mean you can't tell me Stobart can take over and not need extra staff?

What do lorry drivers look like?

There were quite a few of men in the group of drivers who stood to benefit a lot more than the others due to their length of service etc, yet they stood together why the guys on the pickets and put solidarity before themselves. Its what friends do....

If Stobarts needed the extra staff then they would have never have been made redundant in the first place, they decided that they could staff the depot with their existing workforce. They claimed that jobs were available in alternative roles, barely any of them were in Doncaster, or the surrounding area - realistically there were no jobs there for the vast majority of them to go to.

When their contracts werre transferred from Tesco to Stobarts, they were on worse conditions, lower pay, lower benefits, less pension etc - and then not only did they have to contend with that they also were served with a 90 day notice almost immediately after the transfer. They didn't want to go on strike, its not like they were getting paid for being on the pickets but they were standing up for what they believed in, and that was Tesco & Stobarts selling them down the river.

These aren't all young men we are talking about either, these are men who may find it difficult to find a new job given their age, men who have families, kids and grandkids to support. Don't ever think that they found the decision to strike easily.

It is funny that those who seem to be supporting Tesco/Stobarts are the same ones who moan about unemployment figures and people claiming benefits etc... yet you have a group of men who just want to work and have lost their jobs a few week before Christmas being criticised for standing up for what they believe in. Would you rather they had just taken it lying down and claimed job seekers?!

Some of you wouldn't know what solidarity and compassion was if it come and slapped you in the face.

Aren't we all supposed to be in this together?

Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 14, 2012, 11:41:22 am
A person that is prepared to cross a picket line to the detriment of the workers with a grievance is a scab in my eyes, just like strike breakers are. If the workers of this Country stuck together during disputes rather than being selfish, the anti union laws put in place by the Tories would n`t be worth the paper they were written on, working conditions would be better, there would be less companies paying the bare minimum and employment agencies would n`t get away with treating people like shit!

If it was me I'd be more concerned about my family, my prospects than solidarity with other workers, but that's just me.

My opinion on this is that the decision to simply sack them is wrong, I'm pretty sure they could find them alternative works within Stobart surely? 

But I don't at all think unions help theirselves in these situations (or most situations).  The lorry drivers get huge sympathy from me, but they're simply badly advised.  From what I saw the trouble causing aspects at my local Tesco didn't look like lorry drivers to me (I assume as usual it's the union activists again causing trouble).  They help nobody but their own egotistical views and their concerns don't at all ever seem to be about their fellow workers but focussed solely on their political anti government views.  It seems strange to me that all they could negotiate was a better redundancy package, you'd think they could've negotiated better terms for their members and helped them keep jobs wouldn't you?  I mean you can't tell me Stobart can take over and not need extra staff?

What do lorry drivers look like?

There were quite a few of men in the group of drivers who stood to benefit a lot more than the others due to their length of service etc, yet they stood together why the guys on the pickets and put solidarity before themselves. Its what friends do....

If Stobarts needed the extra staff then they would have never have been made redundant in the first place, they decided that they could staff the depot with their existing workforce. They claimed that jobs were available in alternative roles, barely any of them were in Doncaster, or the surrounding area - realistically there were no jobs there for the vast majority of them to go to.

When their contracts werre transferred from Tesco to Stobarts, they were on worse conditions, lower pay, lower benefits, less pension etc - and then not only did they have to contend with that they also were served with a 90 day notice almost immediately after the transfer. They didn't want to go on strike, its not like they were getting paid for being on the pickets but they were standing up for what they believed in, and that was Tesco & Stobarts selling them down the river.

These aren't all young men we are talking about either, these are men who may find it difficult to find a new job given their age, men who have families, kids and grandkids to support. Don't ever think that they found the decision to strike easily.

It is funny that those who seem to be supporting Tesco/Stobarts are the same ones who moan about unemployment figures and people claiming benefits etc... yet you have a group of men who just want to work and have lost their jobs a few week before Christmas being criticised for standing up for what they believe in. Would you rather they had just taken it lying down and claimed job seekers?!

Some of you wouldn't know what solidarity and compassion was if it come and slapped you in the face.

Aren't we all supposed to be in this together?



Again, no one can answer why this gives a right for these protesters to verbally abuse the general public going in and out of Tesco.

My mum went to the town centre Tesco last week, and was verbally abused by those protesting as she left the store. It isn't acceptable, and you lose respect.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 14, 2012, 11:45:48 am
It doesn't give them a right to abuse anyone, and I would be absolutely staggered if this was wide spread.... by all accounts the reaction they have had from the Doncaster public has been fantastic. Don't tar them all by isolated incidents.

It really doesn't surprise me at all that you seem to be aware of such incidents, always seems to be the case.....!!

Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 14, 2012, 11:50:55 am
It doesn't give them a right to abuse anyone, and I would be absolutely staggered if this was wide spread.... by all accounts the reaction they have had from the Doncaster public has been fantastic. Don't tar them all by isolated incidents.

It really doesn't surprise me at all that you seem to be aware of such incidents, always seems to be the case.....!!



Incidents were on the Free Press website, and on Facebook, so it isn't hard to be aware of them, and other people who have posted in this thread have also seen it happen, so it certainly isn't an isolated incident.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 14, 2012, 11:54:22 am
It isn't every driver abusing every person who shops at Tesco though is it?

Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 14, 2012, 12:00:37 pm
It isn't every driver abusing every person who shops at Tesco though is it?



Obviously not, but there shouldn't be any incidents like this. Those who resort to tactics like that, deserve everything that happens to them in my opinion. They are causing grief for the general public and undermining those protesting peacefully. It has nothing to do with those shopping in Tesco, or those working in the Tesco stores.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 14, 2012, 12:02:28 pm
It doesn't give them a right to abuse anyone, and I would be absolutely staggered if this was wide spread.... by all accounts the reaction they have had from the Doncaster public has been fantastic. Don't tar them all by isolated incidents.

It really doesn't surprise me at all that you seem to be aware of such incidents, always seems to be the case.....!!



Incidents were on the Free Press website, and on Facebook, so it isn't hard to be aware of them, and other people who have posted in this thread have also seen it happen, so it certainly isn't an isolated incident.



Ah the Free Press! not known for sensationalising things are they, and facebook! well say no more!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 14, 2012, 12:03:41 pm
It doesn't give them a right to abuse anyone, and I would be absolutely staggered if this was wide spread.... by all accounts the reaction they have had from the Doncaster public has been fantastic. Don't tar them all by isolated incidents.

It really doesn't surprise me at all that you seem to be aware of such incidents, always seems to be the case.....!!



Incidents were on the Free Press website, and on Facebook, so it isn't hard to be aware of them, and other people who have posted in this thread have also seen it happen, so it certainly isn't an isolated incident.



Ah the Free Press! not known for sensationalising things are they, and facebook! well say no more!

Obviously blind to reality then Filo that these incidents have happened. However judging on your posts, you're blind to a lot of things.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 14, 2012, 12:05:12 pm
A person that is prepared to cross a picket line to the detriment of the workers with a grievance is a scab in my eyes, just like strike breakers are. If the workers of this Country stuck together during disputes rather than being selfish, the anti union laws put in place by the Tories would n`t be worth the paper they were written on, working conditions would be better, there would be less companies paying the bare minimum and employment agencies would n`t get away with treating people like shit!

If it was me I'd be more concerned about my family, my prospects than solidarity with other workers, but that's just me.

My opinion on this is that the decision to simply sack them is wrong, I'm pretty sure they could find them alternative works within Stobart surely? 

But I don't at all think unions help theirselves in these situations (or most situations).  The lorry drivers get huge sympathy from me, but they're simply badly advised.  From what I saw the trouble causing aspects at my local Tesco didn't look like lorry drivers to me (I assume as usual it's the union activists again causing trouble).  They help nobody but their own egotistical views and their concerns don't at all ever seem to be about their fellow workers but focussed solely on their political anti government views.  It seems strange to me that all they could negotiate was a better redundancy package, you'd think they could've negotiated better terms for their members and helped them keep jobs wouldn't you?  I mean you can't tell me Stobart can take over and not need extra staff?

What do lorry drivers look like?

There were quite a few of men in the group of drivers who stood to benefit a lot more than the others due to their length of service etc, yet they stood together why the guys on the pickets and put solidarity before themselves. Its what friends do....

If Stobarts needed the extra staff then they would have never have been made redundant in the first place, they decided that they could staff the depot with their existing workforce. They claimed that jobs were available in alternative roles, barely any of them were in Doncaster, or the surrounding area - realistically there were no jobs there for the vast majority of them to go to.

When their contracts werre transferred from Tesco to Stobarts, they were on worse conditions, lower pay, lower benefits, less pension etc - and then not only did they have to contend with that they also were served with a 90 day notice almost immediately after the transfer. They didn't want to go on strike, its not like they were getting paid for being on the pickets but they were standing up for what they believed in, and that was Tesco & Stobarts selling them down the river.

These aren't all young men we are talking about either, these are men who may find it difficult to find a new job given their age, men who have families, kids and grandkids to support. Don't ever think that they found the decision to strike easily.

It is funny that those who seem to be supporting Tesco/Stobarts are the same ones who moan about unemployment figures and people claiming benefits etc... yet you have a group of men who just want to work and have lost their jobs a few week before Christmas being criticised for standing up for what they believe in. Would you rather they had just taken it lying down and claimed job seekers?!

Some of you wouldn't know what solidarity and compassion was if it come and slapped you in the face.

Aren't we all supposed to be in this together?



Jenny, you seem to be well clued up in this, can you give us an idea as to why TUPE did n`t come into play in this dispute, on the face of it, it seems like Stobart`s have totally ignored TUPE
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 14, 2012, 12:06:48 pm
It doesn't give them a right to abuse anyone, and I would be absolutely staggered if this was wide spread.... by all accounts the reaction they have had from the Doncaster public has been fantastic. Don't tar them all by isolated incidents.

It really doesn't surprise me at all that you seem to be aware of such incidents, always seems to be the case.....!!



Incidents were on the Free Press website, and on Facebook, so it isn't hard to be aware of them, and other people who have posted in this thread have also seen it happen, so it certainly isn't an isolated incident.



Ah the Free Press! not known for sensationalising things are they, and facebook! well say no more!

Obviously blind to reality then Filo that these incidents have happened. However judging on your posts, you're blind to a lot of things.


Yes facebook is real, and everything posted on there is true, that`s correct is n`t it?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 14, 2012, 12:08:05 pm
It doesn't give them a right to abuse anyone, and I would be absolutely staggered if this was wide spread.... by all accounts the reaction they have had from the Doncaster public has been fantastic. Don't tar them all by isolated incidents.

It really doesn't surprise me at all that you seem to be aware of such incidents, always seems to be the case.....!!



Incidents were on the Free Press website, and on Facebook, so it isn't hard to be aware of them, and other people who have posted in this thread have also seen it happen, so it certainly isn't an isolated incident.



Ah the Free Press! not known for sensationalising things are they, and facebook! well say no more!

Obviously blind to reality then Filo that these incidents have happened. However judging on your posts, you're blind to a lot of things.


Yes facebook is real, and everything posted on there is true, that`s correct is n`t it?

The comments I have read, I have no reason to believe they are not true.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 14, 2012, 12:16:59 pm
Jenny, you seem to be well clued up in this, can you give us an idea as to why TUPE did n`t come into play in this dispute, on the face of it, it seems like Stobart`s have totally ignored TUPE
TUPE is not as tight as you would believe, if there is an economic, technical or organtisational reason for getting rid of employees after the transfer or worsening their main terms of employment, then it in effect makes it useless.

Stobarts had organisational reasons - they claimed that they could man the depot from their national service and not with the Doncaster drivers. If any of the drivers had stayed with Stobarts after they were put on 90 day notice they would have been re-employed on a new contract with Stobarts which was on much lower wages than they were getting with Tesco and significantly worse terms.

There were instant reductions in terms, smaller things like losing Tesco discount (which may have been worth a significant sum to some families), pensions worse off etc...




Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Filo on December 14, 2012, 12:34:18 pm
Jenny, you seem to be well clued up in this, can you give us an idea as to why TUPE did n`t come into play in this dispute, on the face of it, it seems like Stobart`s have totally ignored TUPE
TUPE is not as tight as you would believe, if there is an economic, technical or organtisational reason for getting rid of employees after the transfer or worsening their main terms of employment, then it in effect makes it useless.

Stobarts had organisational reasons - they claimed that they could man the depot from their national service and not with the Doncaster drivers. If any of the drivers had stayed with Stobarts after they were put on 90 day notice they would have been re-employed on a new contract with Stobarts which was on much lower wages than they were getting with Tesco and significantly worse terms.

There were instant reductions in terms, smaller things like losing Tesco discount (which may have been worth a significant sum to some families), pensions worse off etc...








As an ex union rep for GMB, i`m surprised UNITE did n`t fight this on the TUPE front, yes Stobarts have used the " organtisational reason" to get around TUPE, but the crux of the matter is that both Tesco and Stobart have been very devious here to shaft the workforce, the correct procedure in this case would have been for Tesco to make the redundancies before outsourcing the work, they`ve obviously tried to wriggle out of paying redundancy payments, Stobart has avoided TUPE on a technicality and area Tesco`s partners in crime!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on December 14, 2012, 01:22:24 pm
A person that is prepared to cross a picket line to the detriment of the workers with a grievance is a scab in my eyes, just like strike breakers are. If the workers of this Country stuck together during disputes rather than being selfish, the anti union laws put in place by the Tories would n`t be worth the paper they were written on, working conditions would be better, there would be less companies paying the bare minimum and employment agencies would n`t get away with treating people like shit!

If it was me I'd be more concerned about my family, my prospects than solidarity with other workers, but that's just me.

My opinion on this is that the decision to simply sack them is wrong, I'm pretty sure they could find them alternative works within Stobart surely? 

But I don't at all think unions help theirselves in these situations (or most situations).  The lorry drivers get huge sympathy from me, but they're simply badly advised.  From what I saw the trouble causing aspects at my local Tesco didn't look like lorry drivers to me (I assume as usual it's the union activists again causing trouble).  They help nobody but their own egotistical views and their concerns don't at all ever seem to be about their fellow workers but focussed solely on their political anti government views.  It seems strange to me that all they could negotiate was a better redundancy package, you'd think they could've negotiated better terms for their members and helped them keep jobs wouldn't you?  I mean you can't tell me Stobart can take over and not need extra staff?

What do lorry drivers look like?

There were quite a few of men in the group of drivers who stood to benefit a lot more than the others due to their length of service etc, yet they stood together why the guys on the pickets and put solidarity before themselves. Its what friends do....

If Stobarts needed the extra staff then they would have never have been made redundant in the first place, they decided that they could staff the depot with their existing workforce. They claimed that jobs were available in alternative roles, barely any of them were in Doncaster, or the surrounding area - realistically there were no jobs there for the vast majority of them to go to.

When their contracts werre transferred from Tesco to Stobarts, they were on worse conditions, lower pay, lower benefits, less pension etc - and then not only did they have to contend with that they also were served with a 90 day notice almost immediately after the transfer. They didn't want to go on strike, its not like they were getting paid for being on the pickets but they were standing up for what they believed in, and that was Tesco & Stobarts selling them down the river.

These aren't all young men we are talking about either, these are men who may find it difficult to find a new job given their age, men who have families, kids and grandkids to support. Don't ever think that they found the decision to strike easily.

It is funny that those who seem to be supporting Tesco/Stobarts are the same ones who moan about unemployment figures and people claiming benefits etc... yet you have a group of men who just want to work and have lost their jobs a few week before Christmas being criticised for standing up for what they believe in. Would you rather they had just taken it lying down and claimed job seekers?!

Some of you wouldn't know what solidarity and compassion was if it come and slapped you in the face.

Aren't we all supposed to be in this together?




Well for me the difference between the lorry drivers and activists is fairly obvious.  The lorry driver would be more focussed on keeping his job, not spouting the usual rubbish about scumbag managers etc.  Who does that help?  I  mean look at Unite claiming a victory, to me 200 redundant drivers isn't a victory....  Equally on that point I take this quote;

"Well some of the strikers are ex-miners and some are ex-army and it's getting more like the miners' strike and more like a war, a class war!"

Now where in that is there anything about helping out drivers, that appears to be trouble causing to me, that helps nobody?  This is my big gripe with unions, too much politics.

As I've said from reading this and up on this I really don't agree with what's happened to them, to me it seems like a clear and distinct loophole that quite frankly needs closing.  If you're going to sack people pay them what they're due, to me that's fair and distinct.  Sometimes redundancy can be necessary in this case it seems underhand to me.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 14, 2012, 01:50:27 pm
You are missing the point - there was no jobs for the lorry drivers to keep!
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: IDM on December 14, 2012, 02:18:02 pm
Hmm... some raw nerves touched here...

Do I have sympathy with the sacked drivers, yes of course..

Do I believe they are right to strike and to protest (in some form) - yes, of course.

Do I believe the drivers and supporters should harass Tesco shoppers - no.

Do I think folks should avoid using Tesco as a measure of solidarity with the drivers - individual choice.  Sure if you live somewhere with alternatives to Tesco and feel strongly enough, then go ahead and express solidarity in this way.  But what if the Tesco is the only reasonably priced store in your town?  Where I live it is Morrisons, but do I know in detail how they treat their employees? no I don't.  Similarly, do we know how the other stores treat their staff, do we really?  Also, how many local jobs would go if Tesco were driven out?

My opinion on strike breakers - in this case, were they even members of the same union?  Also, in this day, some folks might value individual job security ahead of the union cause - yes that is no consolation to those drivers who lost their jobs, but again (unless the union had agreed an all-out strike) the individuals had a choice not to strike.  To then call them "scabs" is abhorrent.   

By all means, disagree (strongly) with the actions of so-called strike breakers, and make your points public.  But let's get away from using this disgusting term "scab".  Disagreeing and opposing does not need to degenerate into abuse, does it? 

Wandering off-thread a little, I get sick of the "scab" chants when we play Notts Co or Forest.  Given that only a small portion of that city's current population would have been miners back in the mid 80's, and a smaller portion of those would have been strike breakers during the miners' strike, how many people do you ("scab" callers) realistically think attend these football games who once were strike breakers?  I would guess tens, hundreds at most out of up to 20,000 at Forest. 

I know football chanting or banter does pick up on extremes, but the aggression and hatred of the "scab" chants is sickening.

Using abusive words like "scab" detracts from the valid points and opinions you may have.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on December 14, 2012, 02:39:15 pm
You are missing the point - there was no jobs for the lorry drivers to keep!

Again I don't understand this though, are Stobart that inefficient that they had such volumes of time available to meet a huge new contract or were they simply pre empting and bringing in cheaper staff of their own so they didn't have to satisfy the terms of the existing staff?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Jenny on December 14, 2012, 02:48:52 pm
You are missing the point - there was no jobs for the lorry drivers to keep!

Again I don't understand this though, are Stobart that inefficient that they had such volumes of time available to meet a huge new contract or were they simply pre empting and bringing in cheaper staff of their own so they didn't have to satisfy the terms of the existing staff?

The latter it would appear. They reckon they can service the Doncaster Depot with their existing workforce. The whole point of redundancy is that the jobs no longer exist... So they'll staff Doncaster with existing drivings who are on lower salaries, far worse terms in respect of sickness, holiday, pensions etc and then they have positions available for the drivers who have been made redundant - most of which are based no where near Doncaster and would mean that the drivers have to sign new contracts on far worse terms that the ones that were TUPE'd over from Tesco.

The fact that they have offered the drivers who have been made redundant 75% of their redundancy package if they take up another position shows the huge gulf in terms between the old Tesco contracts and the new contracts that Stobarts would enforce.

Its not even as if the Tesco contracts were that good, we aren't talking about the drivers getting grossly overpaid of having amazing benefits etc.

Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Wellred on December 14, 2012, 03:36:34 pm
It doesn't give them a right to abuse anyone, and I would be absolutely staggered if this was wide spread.... by all accounts the reaction they have had from the Doncaster public has been fantastic. Don't tar them all by isolated incidents.

It really doesn't surprise me at all that you seem to be aware of such incidents, always seems to be the case.....!!



Incidents were on the Free Press website, and on Facebook, so it isn't hard to be aware of them, and other people who have posted in this thread have also seen it happen, so it certainly isn't an isolated incident.



Ah the Free Press! not known for sensationalising things are they, and facebook! well say no more!

Obviously blind to reality then Filo that these incidents have happened. However judging on your posts, you're blind to a lot of things.

Get those kids back down the mines eh Frosty.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: RoversAlias on December 14, 2012, 07:01:48 pm
A person that is prepared to cross a picket line to the detriment of the workers with a grievance is a scab in my eyes, just like strike breakers are. If the workers of this Country stuck together during disputes rather than being selfish, the anti union laws put in place by the Tories would n`t be worth the paper they were written on, working conditions would be better, there would be less companies paying the bare minimum and employment agencies would n`t get away with treating people like shit!

That's fair enough if you choose to take that stance Filo, me I prefer to look at it in an individualist way and agree with those who said if it were them, they'd be thinking of their own family first.

John Locke got it right when he theorised on human nature - humans are born selfish, aint nothing gonna ever change that. I adapt from there.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Muttley on December 14, 2012, 09:14:23 pm
Jenny

Why weren't all Stobarts drivers put in a pool for the redundancies? That would be normal practice.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on December 14, 2012, 09:38:43 pm
I don't understand why the strikers feel the need to abuse people using the services of the company that has just kebabbed them.

I mean. Why can't everyone be nice to each other and sort this out in a friendly style. If the lorry drivers who are losing their livelihoods try to nicely ask shoppers not to use Tesco because Tesco are being a horribly nasty to them and the shoppers say "I'm very sorry but I'm still going to use Tesco because getting my cat food is more important to me than you keeping your job" then why can't the strikers just be nice to them and show no hard feelings?



f*** me sideways but there are some soft-headed shites on here.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on December 14, 2012, 09:46:47 pm
Alias

If by taking that Lockian stance, you f**k over someone else, can you really complain if they call you a "scab"?

Or, let's put it another way. In the big scheme of things, is their calling you names a bigger wrongdoing than you being complicit in putting them out of work?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 14, 2012, 10:04:12 pm
Alias

If by taking that Lockian stance, you f*** over someone else, can you really complain if they call you a "scab"?

Or, let's put it another way. In the big scheme of things, is their calling you names a bigger wrongdoing than you being complicit in putting them out of work?

What a load of rubbish. How is shopping at Tesco being complicit in putting them out of work?
Too many people posting on this thread are still stuck in the 80s and clearly haven't moved on with their lives.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on December 14, 2012, 10:09:06 pm
Frosty

Read the post above.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: IDM on December 15, 2012, 10:16:55 am
I don't understand why the strikers feel the need to abuse people using the services of the company that has just kebabbed them.

I mean. Why can't everyone be nice to each other and sort this out in a friendly style. If the lorry drivers who are losing their livelihoods try to nicely ask shoppers not to use Tesco because Tesco are being a horribly nasty to them and the shoppers say "I'm very sorry but I'm still going to use Tesco because getting my cat food is more important to me than you keeping your job" then why can't the strikers just be nice to them and show no hard feelings?



f*** me sideways but there are some soft-headed shites on here.

I get the sarcasm, but if it was just a case of cat food then then it would be easy to change shops in support of the drivers? 

Before you (not you per se, BST) start slating folks on here who you think are selfish by putting themselves above their communities, have a look at motivational theory.  There is a hierarchy in what motivates folks, primarily to be safe and secure (a roof over your head, warmth, enough food etc) which is much more important than ambition in careers or other personal ambitions.  Somewhere in between comes a sense of being part of a wider community, but this is less of a priority than looking after yourself and family. 

Therefore folks who put their own interests over solidarity with sacked drivers are not being selfish, just normal.  Of course there are extremes in both ways, those who oppose any sort of social responsibility and really are selfish, and those who give up their own comforts and time to help others.  We are all encouraged to be charitable and to help our communities, but for many folks the latter can only happen when they have spare time/money etc on top of their own needs.  In this particular case, there may be many people who do sympathise with the drivers, but who can't afford not to shop at Tesco?

I think it is right for the drivers to protest, and to bring attention of their plight to those who do not understand the particular situation who can then decide on how to express support (not shopping at tesco is a good way of making this expression, but by choice rather than coercion), as long as such protests are not over the top.

What I have no time for, and I repeat, is the use of the word "scab". Have your (strong) views in opposition or support of a position, but abuse is unnecessary.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on December 15, 2012, 10:42:58 am
IDM

I take on board your points. Maybe I didn't make my own point sufficiently clear in my sarcasm.

What several people on here seem to be saying is:
1) I agree that the drivers have been very poorly treated.
2) I agree that they have the right to try to put pressure in Tesco to change their mind.
3) I agree that they have the right to (politely) ask people to support them by not doing business with Tesco.
4) But if those people do not support them, the drivers who are going to lose their livelihood do not have the right to get angry over that lack of support.

Look. No one is asking Tesco shoppers to go on hunger strike and sleep bollock naked in the snow to support the drivers. Do this is nothing to do with people looking after themselves and making sure that they and their loved ones are ok before helping someone else. It is EVERYTHING to do with peoria not being prepared to put themselves out just a tiny bit by using a different shop. It is people saying "I hear that you are going to lose your job. And do you know what? I couldn't give a f***."

And you take offence at the strikers hurling abuse at such people?

Which is the greater moral outrage?

You say that it is ok for the drivers to try, politely, to persuade people. And no more than that. You talk as though this were some sort of student debating society. It is not. It is two extremely powerf and ruthless companies driving men out of work just before Xmas in order to increase shareholder returns. The men have very little power. The one thing they do have is the ability to try to persuade other ordinary folk to support them. And if that means confronting people with the reality if them behaving like insulated, self-centred Kitsons by not supporting them, then that is a legitimate strategy.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: IDM on December 15, 2012, 10:49:47 am
BST, I think that using a different shop is an excellent way of expressing solidarity, and I have sympathy with the drivers.  I think it is wrong to lower standards to shouting abuse, as that belittles the argument and loses sympathy, especially with those whose support is uncertain. 

Protest all you want, and strongly, but with dignity.  Does that make sense?

Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: MrFrost on December 15, 2012, 10:52:35 am
I would imagine, that at some point in history, all of Tesco's main competitors have f**ked their staff over. Should we boycott everyone?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: IDM on December 15, 2012, 11:19:25 am
BST, do you believe that calling folks who are unsympathetic to the strikers "insulated self-centred c***s" is in any way shape or form going to persuade them to change their minds?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Muttley on December 15, 2012, 11:34:56 am
I would imagine, that at some point in history, all of Tesco's main competitors have f**ked their staff over. Should we boycott everyone?

Yes, boycott the big chains where possible.

One of my resolutions is to buy more from local retailers (eg our excellent market) and so keep money in the local economy.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on December 15, 2012, 12:09:40 pm
IDM

I appreciate your preference for protesting with dignity. I just happen to believe that it is hopelessly naive.

We are talking about a massively asymmetrical power relationship here. Tesco and Stobbart hold all the cards. They are being brutally ruthless and unpleasant in their approach to the dispute. But that is not seen by the general public. So the opprobrium gets heaped on the drivers whose behaviour IS in the public domain.

Barring a very, very limited number of cases, no one ever won anything by polite campaigning in such an asymmetrical power struggle. You think Tesco would back down because the drivers win sympathy that doesn't translate into action against Tesco? Get real. Tesco management would not shed a tear. They would only change policy if they get hurt and they will not get hurt by losing some polite, genteel debate.

I'll ask the question again. Which is the bigger moral outrage? Hurling insults or being complicit in someone losing their livelihood?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on December 15, 2012, 12:17:54 pm
IDM

Do YOU believe that people who are sympathetic to the drivers but refuse to do even the slightest thing to practically support them are NOT behaving like insular self centred Kitsons?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: AbsolutDRFC on December 15, 2012, 01:26:17 pm
You are missing the point - there was no jobs for the lorry drivers to keep!

Again I don't understand this though, are Stobart that inefficient that they had such volumes of time available to meet a huge new contract or were they simply pre empting and bringing in cheaper staff of their own so they didn't have to satisfy the terms of the existing staff?

The latter it would appear. They reckon they can service the Doncaster Depot with their existing workforce. The whole point of redundancy is that the jobs no longer exist... So they'll staff Doncaster with existing drivings who are on lower salaries, far worse terms in respect of sickness, holiday, pensions etc and then they have positions available for the drivers who have been made redundant - most of which are based no where near Doncaster and would mean that the drivers have to sign new contracts on far worse terms that the ones that were TUPE'd over from Tesco.

The fact that they have offered the drivers who have been made redundant 75% of their redundancy package if they take up another position shows the huge gulf in terms between the old Tesco contracts and the new contracts that Stobarts would enforce.

Its not even as if the Tesco contracts were that good, we aren't talking about the drivers getting grossly overpaid of having amazing benefits etc.



Are you absolutely sure with your facts here, in that they weren't overpaid in relation to the industry?
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: jonrover on December 15, 2012, 04:30:57 pm
Dispute has ended. Feel free to shop at Tesco again.

http://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/news/business/long-running-doncaster-tesco-drivers-dispute-comes-to-an-end-1-5222722

I'll never set foot in another Tesco store again thank you very much. Apart from to fill a trolley with a couple of hundreds of quids worth of shopping, have it rung through the till and refuse to pay because of the way Tesco treat their workers, as I did on Saturday at the town centre store whilst the protests were going on.

Bravo.

Thanks
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: IDM on December 26, 2012, 10:38:19 pm
IDM

Do YOU believe that people who are sympathetic to the drivers but refuse to do even the slightest thing to practically support them are NOT behaving like insular self centred c***s?

Yes I do.  They may be putting their own interests firsts as is natural, but that may not be for selfish reasons, purely practical or financial ones as I explained.  It does not make them bad people, and certainly not c*nts. 

Yes, abusing folks who have no involvement in the dispute is wrong, regardless of their support (or not) for the strikers.  Yes in the scale of things the sacking of the drivers is wrong on a larger scale.  I am not saying that the drivers and their supporters should be meek in their protests, more that they should be directed and concentrated to help their cause, not to abuse those who dare to shop at Tesco.  Many of the Tesco shoppers may not have been fully aware of all the issues anyway, so they get a mouthful of abuse - are they then more or less likely to then go on and support the strikers?

By all means have a protest at Tesco, to raise awareness, but don't lower the standards to abuse.

BST, I ask you - I have sympathy for the drivers, and I also don't shop at Tesco but that is nothing to do with this dispute - does that make me an insular self centred c*nt in your view?  So vicariously you're abusing me now?  In that case, just do one and leave it.
Title: Re: Tesco Drivers dispute
Post by: Dagenham Rover on March 28, 2013, 10:08:59 pm
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