Tanker Driver Deal: Union Urges Rejection

Fuel tanker drivers are to vote on a proposed deal aimed at averting strikes, with a recommendation to reject, the Unite union has said.

It means there is a still a threat of industrial action.

A meeting of representatives belonging to Unite voted overwhelmingly to recommend rejecting the proposals.

They will now be put to more than 2,000 tanker drivers across seven oil distribution firms. The ballot is expected to close on May 11.

Delegates said they recognised that progress had been made on health, safety and training issues.

But they expressed "deep concern" that the proposals did not go far enough in bringing stability and security to the sector through industry minimum standards.

Drivers expressed disappointment at the employers' failure to give sufficient guarantees on maintaining standards, security of employment, pensions and sub-contracting.

Unite's assistant general secretary, Diana Holland, said: "The proposals represent progress on some of the key areas such as health and safety.

"But it is clear that they do not give enough guarantees that the instability and insecurity gripping the industry will come to an end.

"It is in everyone's interest that we end the contract merry-go- round and the erosion of standards in a vital industry.

"Delegates felt the proposals did not meet members' expectations and are recommending that members reject them in the consultative ballot."