Strike must be avoided: Miliband

Ed Miliband says a potential strike by fuel tanker drivers should be avoided at all costs
27 March 2012

Labour leader Ed Miliband has said a potential strike by fuel tanker drivers should be avoided "at all costs".

He spoke out after union members voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over terms and conditions and safety standards.

Around 2,000 members of Unite at seven companies were balloted for the first national campaign of action for over a decade. The vote was said to be overwhelming.

Unite drivers supply fuel to 90% of the UK's forecourts and the union said a strike could close up to 7,900 petrol stations.

Mr Miliband urged both union and company chiefs to "get round the table" and negotiate, as he joined Labour's Mayor of London candidate Ken Livingstone on the campaign trail in Bromley, Kent.

Mr Miliband said: "We must avoid strike action at all costs, and the right way to do that is by both sides getting round the table and negotiating. That's what the Government should be urging, that's what I'm urging, and that's what the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is urging."

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