Fuel strike threat: Drivers’ union rejects deal

• Union representatives vote to reject deal on health, safety and training

• Proposals from employers ‘did not meet members’ expectations’

• Strike ballot is expected to close on May 11

About 2,000 staff across seven separate firms have been told to turn down a peace deal aimed at averting industrial action. A meeting of union delegates voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of recommending rejection of the proposals.

Eight days of talks had been held at conciliation service Acas to try to head off the prospect of strike action over issues including drivers’ terms and conditions, pensions, and health and safety.

The drivers at the centre of the dispute supply fuel to 90 per cent of the UK’s forecourts, and the Unite union has warned a strike could close 8,000 petrol stations – possibly within as little as 48 hours.

However, any strike would require seven days’ notice.

A new ballot paper will be sent to drivers next week, and they are expected to have until 11 May to send back their response.

The union – which agreed the recommendation at its oil trades conference – said that although progress had been made on health, safety and training issues, there was still “deep concern” that the proposals did not go far enough.

The drivers had already turned down a previous peace offer more than a week ago.

Diana Holland, Unite’s assistant general secretary, 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.”

After the dispute flared last month, the government advised motorists to top up their cars with petrol and diesel. Cabinet Secretary Francis Maude recommended storing fuel in jerry cans, leading to panic buying.

There were chaotic scenes at petrol stations as long queues built up.

After several days of urging motorists to fill up, the Department for Energy and Climate Change altered guidance to say there was no need to queue on forecourts. The panic subsided after Unite said no strikes would be called until after Easter.

The government has called on drivers and employers to work towards reaching an agreement.

However, the continued uncertainty is thought to have prompted some drivers planning long-distance trips to postpone or cancel their journeys.

Unite, Britain’s biggest trade union, said that there was disappointment among members at their employers’ failure to give sufficient guarantees on maintaining standards, security of employment, pensions and subcontracting.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change has repeatedly urged an end to the dispute, claiming strike action would be “wrong and unnecessary”.

Drivers voted to strike almost a month ago, claiming that the health and safety of drivers was being compromised by employers, who they claim are increasingly focused on profits. Industrial law states that any action must be taken within a month of the ballot.

This week, the AA said the price of petrol at the pumps had risen to a new high, but wholesale prices had fallen by nearly 7 per cent in the past week – meaning there should be a 5p a litre cut in price within two weeks.

News that Unite was recommending rejection emerged as ballot papers were sent out to more than 530 tanker drivers working for the oil distribution firm Hoyer.

The union discovered that some members did not receive voting papers last month.