Fuel tanker drivers: Strike prevention talks to continue on Tuesday

Union officials met with employers ahead of an extended strike deadline due to expire tomorrow evening.

Peter Harwood, Acas Chief Conciliator, said: “Acas talks have adjourned for the day. I am encouraged that the parties are still positively engaged in the process. Talks will reconvene tomorrow morning.”

Discussions are set to resume tomorrow under the chairmanship of the conciliation service Acas – but the two sides will have to come to an agreement by the end of the day – or a decision about industrial action will have to be taken.

Six days of talks were held last week – but tanker drivers turned down a proposed agreement, despite having made progress on pensions, health and safety and training. Union leaders said they hoped that an agreement could be reached, but pointed to the possibility of industrial action if their demands were not met.

A strike ballot with drivers representing five major tanker companies was due to expire on Friday – but an extension was granted, allowing further discussions to resume this morning.