Tanker drivers’ strike vote pumps up pressure on petrol supplies

A UNION has threatened to disrupt fuel supplies across Britain this month as tanker drivers prepare to strike.

Unite claimed transport company JW Suckling “failed to come to the table” to discuss better pensions and pay. Members have voted to take industrial action. In total, 39 drivers across London, the South East and Scotland are expected to take part in continuous strikes from April 16. Nick West, Unite regional officer, said: “Serious risks come with being a tanker driver.

“JW Suckling is aware of this and is showing disrespect to workers. Any disruption is a direct result of them failing to come to the table and discuss concerns.” JW Suckling is part of European fuel group Sustainable Business Growth, which has operations in France, Spain and Italy. It says it employs more than 200 drivers in the UK and has 115 vehicles. Thousands of people are thought to work as fuel tanker drivers in the UK.

Unite said there would be picket lines at three sites from April 16. Suckling Transport said: “We are continuing to negotiate on the 2024 pay claim, with a next meeting date agreed by both parties prior to Unite’s press release. We have never failed to ‘come to the table’ and we remain committed and open to continue dialogue in the coming days. The next meeting to continue negotiations is on Friday April 5.”

In September 2021, a shortage of delivery drivers led to queues at petrol stations. Last year, Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil blockaded roads to oil refineries, causing shortages in parts.

The departments for transport and for business announced weight limits for road fuel tankers would be relaxed, to allow more fuel to be transported. The Government said it “intends to progress this policy proposal for use in times of fuel supply shortage”.

Tube workers are to walk out next week, Asda recently faced industrial action and Border Force officers at Heathrow are also to strike.

The Government said: “Industrial action should always be a last resort, and we urge tanker drivers, Unite and JW Suckling to work together and reach an agreement. We have robust plans in place to keep fuel flowing.”