Member Article

Tanker strike is narrowly averted

Fuel tanker drivers have chosen to accept proposals tabled following eight days of talks, narrowly avoiding a strike.

Members of union Unite, working for seven major oil distribution firms, voted by 51% overall on a turnout of 69% to accept the proposals,which include the introduction of an industry-wide accreditation, or ‘passport’, covering health and safety and training.

Unite have warned the overall ‘yes’ vote was only narrowly, and left the companies with “no room for complacency,” and stressed the fundamental problems remain in the industry.

The union went on to add that it would be urging the Energy and Climate Change select committee to investigate the resilience of a vital industry, and would be working with the seven oil distribution firms, the Health and Safety Executive, and other interested parties to implement the Acas proposals.

Commenting, Unite assistant general secretary Diana Holland said: “This narrow vote in favour lifts the threat of strike action, but leaves the companies with no room for complacency.

“We look forward to the rapid implementation of the Acas proposals which include an industry-wide ‘passport’. The progress made through negotiation is testament to the brave stance members have taken in the face of growing insecurity and attacks on their profession.

“The narrow vote in favour should be a ‘wake-up’ call for an industry riddled with deep seated problems. This is why we are writing to the Energy and Climate Change select committee urging them to investigate the instability in the industry.

“Francis Maude’s calamitous intervention highlighted that this country runs on unstable, short fuel supplies. It is not a jerry can in the garage we need, but a review of whether the industry is structured in the national interest.

“We trust that energy secretary Ed Davey and other ministers will take a more constructive approach in helping us bring stability and security to a nationally vital industry.”

Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said: “It is welcome news that an agreement has been reached and the strike has been averted.

“Our members were very worried that their hard work would be undermined by a dispute that they had nothing to do with. Just the threat of a strike caused a lot of disruption, but at least businesses across the country can get back to focusing on what they do best – driving the economy forward and creating jobs.”

Neil Carberry, CBI Director for Employment policy, said: “It’s good to see that, in the end, cool heads prevailed and the dispute was settled by negotiation.

“The employers involved made clear their commitment to addressing health and safety concerns.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .