Talks to avert fuel tanker drivers’ strike continue

Talks to prevent a four-day strike starting tomorrow (Friday, June 13) by tanker drivers who deliver fuel for Shell continued today (Thursday, June 12).

Members of the Unite union representing more than 600 drivers met their employers to try to find a resolution to the pay dispute yesterday (Wednesday) but broke up with the strike still scheduled.

If their walkout goes ahead on Friday morning it will affect Shell’s 1,000 forecourts across the UK. The government has urged motorists not to panic-buy fuel, fearing shortages. However, there have been reports of queues at some fuel stations across the country.

Meanwhile, if the strike goes ahead, tanker drivers are said to be to attempt to cut off supplies from major oil refineries in an attempt to escalate the dispute. The drivers will urge unionised tanker drivers working for rival companies not to cross their picket lines.

Union organisers believe a picket line blockade of refineries, terminals and depots could lead to a crisis not seen since the fuel protests of autumn 2000.

The talks are taking place at an undisclosed location and are being mediated by the conciliation service Acas.

The strike over pay is due to start at 0600 BST tomorrow (Friday) and continue until 0600 the following Tuesday.

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