Tanker drivers supplying garage forecourts and aviation fuel are to go on strike in a dispute over pay, United the union said on Friday.
Members of Unite based at Stanlow oil refinery will walk out between June 6 and June 8, and between June 13 and June 15, which the union said will affect deliveries across the North West and Scottish Borders.
The drivers, who work for Hoyer—recently rebranded as Oxalis—say their pay offer is significantly lower than that of their colleagues in other parts of the country.
The company said it has contingency plans so that its operations can continue.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Oxalis is treating its Stanlow-based drivers as second-class workers. There is absolutely no reason why this profitable company should not be paying these workers the same rates as pay as their colleagues based elsewhere. They will receive Unite’s total support as they strike for equal pay.”
An Oxalis spokesperson said: “Oxalis has offered drivers a 19 percent pay increase over two years. Any further increase severely compromises the viability of the operation and puts jobs at risk.
“Further talks are planned with the union and whilst we hope we can reach a mutually agreeable deal, contingency plans are fully developed and we are confident all our operations will continue should industrial action take place.”
