Tanker strike closer as deal rejected

Around 60 Unite officials yesterday turned down the deal which was thrashed out during six days of talks between the union and representatives of six fuel distribution companies.

Motorists were urged not to panic buy fuel as Unite said it wanted a negotiated settlement and stressed it had not yet decided whether to name dates for action.

The Government expressed disappointment with rejection of the deal with Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey saying that “any strike action would be wrong and unnecessary”.

After the row flared last month the Government advised motorists to top up their cars and to store fuel in jerry cans, leading to panic buying and shortages.

There were chaotic scenes at garages as long queues built up, leading to criticism of the Government for the way it had handled the dispute.

Despite the rejection it is believed that progress was made on a number of issues including pensions, health and safety and training.

Diana Holland, assistant general secretary of Unite, said: “We remain committed to achieving a negotiated settlement that brings stability and security to a vital industry and gives this workforce, and the public, confidence that the race to the bottom is ending.”

Unite officials have contacted the conciliation service Acas, which has been facilitating talks, and said it hoped employers would agree to hold fresh negotiations in the coming days.

The union will have to name strike dates, or other forms of industrial action, by tomorrow afternoon unless employers agree to extend the deadline.

Mr Davey said: “We understand that these are complex issues but urge both parties to work towards a negotiated resolution with the support of Acas.

“The Government continues to believe that any strike action would be wrong and unnecessary.”

A spokesman for Hoyer, one of the firms involved, said: “The decision by Unite to reject the proposals agreed between employers and the union after six days of constructive dialogue through Acas is a serious blow.

“The team from Hoyer, along with other key industry employers, engaged fully and professionally in these talks and remain open to negotiation with a view to achieving a positive resolution to this dispute and avoid the possibility of any damaging strike action by Unite.

“Having reached this point, Hoyer will now reflect on all available options.

“However, we have made comprehensive contingencies as a business and we remain committed to ensuring that despite any strike action by Unite, we make every effort, together with the armed forces, to maintain fuel supplies to a level that keeps disruption to business and the general public to an absolute minimum.”

Motoring groups and campaigners have urged motorists not to stockpile fuel or rush to fill up their vehicles.

AA president Edmund King said: “Our message to drivers is to continue with their normal buying pattern for fuel. There is no shortage of fuel and we don’t want to re-create another self-inflicted shortage.”

Peter Carroll, founder of FairFuelUK, said: “This is potentially devastating news for every family and business in the UK. It also threatens the well being of the whole economy which is extremely fragile in terms of growth and employment.

“There are many businesses that simply will not be able to withstand disruption to fuel supplies.”