Strikes by tanker drivers supplying forecourts and aviation fuel across the Scottish borders and northwest England have been called off after the union Unite secured an improved pay deal, reports Carol Millett.
The Stanlow oil refinery-based drivers work for Oxalis Logistics, Hoyer’s former petroleum and bitumen logistics division, which was recently sold to Munich-based private equity firm Auctus Capital Partners and rebadged as Oxalis Logistics.
The tanker drivers voted to accept the deal after postponing their strike action last week. All scheduled industrial action has now been called off.
As part of the deal, the workers will receive a £2.02 an hour increase backdated to May 2023, as well as a £1 an hour fuel efficiency payment, also backdated to May 2023.
In addition, pay will increase by £1.99 an hour for 2024, backdated to February this year.
Last week, before the pay deal was accepted, drivers were planning to walk out of the Ellesmere Port site from Thursday to Saturday and then from 13 to 15 June.
Unite had warned that the strike would hit deliveries to garage forecourts across the North West and Scottish Borders as well as deliveries of aviation fuel, the union said.
Oxalis said at the time that any further increases on its offer of a 19% pay increase over two years would ”severely” compromise the viability of the operation and puts jobs at risk.
Despite these fears, Oxalis upped its offer, and the Stanlow drivers called off their action.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham praised the tanker drivers’ resolve. She said: “Congratulations to Oxalis’ Stanlow tanker drivers, who stood together for better pay and won.
”This is yet another example of how Unite’s unrelenting focus on improving jobs, pay and conditions is boosting our members’ incomes.”
Unite regional officer Paul Lomax said: “This pay win could not have been secured without the hard work and solidarity of our members. Those looking for a better deal at work should join Unite and get their colleagues to join too.”
