Unite's challenge to Tesco on ending discrimination in the meat
industry sees one in five Tesco shareholders refuse to back the
board
3rd July 2009
In an unprecedented move, one in five Tesco shareholders have
sent an unmistakable message to the company board by refusing to
support the company's outright opposition to a resolution from
Unite, at the Tesco shareholder AGM in Glasgow today (3rd
July).
The motion challenged Tesco to end discrimination and abuse of
some workers employed at companies that supply meat to Tesco.
18 percent of Tesco's shareholders did not back Tesco's
recommendation to vote against Unite's resolution at Tesco's AGM
today.
11.21 per cent of shareholders voted in favour of Unite's
resolution, more than double the union's expectations, and a
further 6.96 per cent abstained.
This is the first time a UK union has used a resolution to take
the cause of workers to an AGM.
Unite deputy general secretary, Jack Dromey, said: "An
unmistakable message has been sent to the board. Tesco must hear
the voice of workers in the meat industry and now a growing number
of its own shareholders."
Jack Dromey will write to Terry Leahy, Tesco's CEO, proposing a
top level summit to end discrimination and abuse of some workers at
companies in the UK and Ireland that supply meat to Tesco.
Mr Dromey continued: "Today, Sir Terry Leahy said he was
prepared to talk to Unite, he should now personally lead his team
to the table. Sir Terry should also hear first hand from agency
workers what life is like at companies that supply meat to
Tesco."
ENDS
Contact Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
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