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Eddie Stobart drivers could be dragged into the pay dispute between Tesco and the TGWU section of the Unite trade union after the haulier confirmed it was discussing contingency plans with the supermarket. As Motor Transport went to press, industrial action on May 24-26 in Livingston over Tesco's plans to derecognise the union and change the way it pays its staff was still scheduled to take place. However, the proposed action by more than 120 drivers took a twist this week when Eddie Stobart boss  Andrew Tinkler told MT it might plug any driver shortage. It already has a contract with Tesco and Tinkler says the priority is to help out.

"We have been in talks with Tesco about contingency plans," confirms Tinkler. "We are Tesco's main partner and that's how we are looking at it. I would imagine Tesco is in touch with William [Stobart] to see what comes out of it." When asked if its drivers will cross a picket line, Tinkler says: "That's a decision we have to make in time, but we are a partner with Tesco and we will try to help each other out." Tesco is also attempting to play down the dispute and claims half of the 126 staff that voted to strike have signed up to move to the new depot. A spokesman says: "The impact isn't going to be as huge as you think. Whereas before it was a minority of [Tesco's] business, now it's a tiny minority. The union is ramping it up."

Unite national secretary for transport Ron Webb says drivers could lose between £3,000 and £6,000 a year  because of the supermarket's plans. The union is calling for a national strike ballot among drivers at Tesco UK distribution depots.