Striking Doncaster Tesco drivers protest in London

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Striking drivers in London
Image caption,
Lorry drivers said they wanted to raise the profile of the dispute with MPs at Westminster

Lorry drivers whose jobs at a Tesco distribution centre in Doncaster are under threat have staged a protest in London to coincide with a strike.

Drivers held a protest outside a Tesco store at Westminster earlier to raise the profile of the dispute to MPs.

The drivers, employed by Eddie Stobart, are on a three-day strike over planned cuts at the Doncaster site.

Eddie Stobart said it would ensure disruption was kept to a minimum.

Last month drivers, who have already walked out twice, rejected a new offer made by the haulage firm.

'Christmas job loss'

Eddie Stobart took over the operation from Tesco in August and announced a reorganisation in September.

The Unite union claims a total of 183 lorry drivers' jobs at the Doncaster centre are threatened by the plans.

Steve Clark, Unite regional officer, said: "Our members, who face losing their jobs by Christmas, will be striking for three days to save their jobs."

Last month David Pickering, Eddie Stobart managing director, said: "Our enhanced financial package was worth an additional £1m and we feel the drivers have really lost out with the latest decision from Unite."

He added the firm had offered to increase redundancy pay by 28% and significant financial support for drivers who took alternative jobs with either Tesco or Stobart.

Unite said members did not believe the offer was a fair one.

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