Oil-tanker drivers threaten second week of strike action in Wincanton dispute

Unite has kept the pressure on Wincanton and ConocoPhillips with the threat of a second week of oil-tanker driver strikes.

Strike action began this week (24 January) and is affecting fuel deliveries to Jet service stations across the UK.

The dispute, which has been described as unnecessary by Wincanton, has seen Unite accuse the logistics firm of exploring action that would cut members' pay by 20% when the ConcoPhillips deal comes up for renewal this summer.

Wincanton says without concessions it will not be able to retain its competitiveness in the sector, which operates on tight margins, and ensure job security for drivers that are well paid.

Matt Draper, Unite national officer, says: “Despite the union’s repeated attempts in the last few days to resolve the dispute, the employer, Wincanton, has so far failed to honour its promise to return with a form of words that we can move forward on. We have no other option but to extend this strike for another seven days in a further attempt to get the employer to see sense."