Oil tanker drivers in strike threat over conditions

Motorists being hammered by record petrol prices could face yet another blow this year as a looming strike by oil tanker drivers threatens forecourt supplies.

Trade union Unite is to ballot about 3,000 oil tanker drivers over industrial action next month in a long-running row over terms and working conditions.

Unite claims that the pay, pensions and working conditions of the drivers have been eroded by continual switching of contracts by major oil companies and supermarkets between various haulage contractors.

The union says its attempts to meet haulage firms to voice their concerns have been rebuffed and is calling for national standards to be drawn up to avoid a "race to the bottom" on terms and conditions.

General secretary-elect Len McClusky hit out at hauliers today and called on an industry "worth billions" to end its attacks on oil tanker drivers.

He said: "The price of oil is heading for $100 a barrel, this is not an industry suffering like many others, the profits are astronomical.

"Employers have their heads in the sand, if they think they can continue to attack these drivers' terms and conditions.

"This is not about pay. Our demands are very reasonable. We are calling for national standards to bring stability to the industry.

"It would benefit our members, but it would also benefit the multitude of contractors in the industry too. Time and workers' patience is running out," he warned.