Wincanton tanker driver strike puts contract at risk

Wincanton says that strike action by tanker drivers working on deliveries for ConocoPhillips is “jeopardising its chances” of extending the contract.

Following talks on Friday between Wincanton and union Unite aimed at heading off a further seven days of strike action set to begin at 5am on Thursday 2 February, the operator says it is further from a resolution to the dispute, which is over driver conditions and pay, that it was when it began.

A statement from Wincanton says: “We have been unable to identify a route forward as a result of a fresh set of unreasonable demands that take us further from a resolution to the dispute.”

This is despite, according to Wincanton, the operator  already meeting and exceeding the initial conditions given by Unite for averting action and providing job security for its drivers.

“Unite is now specifying that we must negotiate a new three-year contract with our customer – something we are unable to do when the strike action is threatening relationships with their forecourt partners and their livelihoods,” the statement adds.

“While our drivers continue with this unnecessary strike, they are not getting paid and they are jeopardising our chances of extending the contract.

“At the same time, the disruption caused by the strike to the independent forecourt traders is putting their businesses at risk and leaves them with no other option than to seek alternative transport for their fuel supplies.”